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THE 

MASONIC 

CITY 

A NOVEL 

BY 

JOSEPH THOMAS FRANCIS 


MOBBISTOWN, K. J. 

1922 



















( 


(6o-^ 


Tlie Masonic City 


A NOVEL 


BY 

JOSEPH THOMAS FRANCIS 

w 


Wv I Vi » 

MOBBISTOWN, N. J. 

1922 



Copyrighted 1922 

by 

Joseph Thomas Francis 
Morristown, N. J. 


JAN 19^2 

©CLA653832 


WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 


Troy Weight 



Ib 

Oz 

Pwt 

Grs 

1 Gerah 

0 

0 

0 

12 

10 Gerahs — 1 Bekah 

0 

0 

5 

0 

2 Bekahs — 1 Shekel 

0 

0 

10 

0 

60 Shekels — 1 Maneh 

2 

6 

0 

0 

50 Manehs — 1 Talent 

125 

0 

0 

0 

Land Measure 





Mi 

Paces 

Feet 

1 Cubit 

0 

0 


1.824 

400 Cubits — 1 Furlong 

0 

145 


4.6 

(Luke 24: 13.) 





10 FurPgs — 1 Mile 

1 

403 


1.0 

(Matt. 5:41.) 





15 FurPgs — 1 Sab. Day^s J^y 1 

132 


4.0 

(John ll:18;Actsl:12.) 




24 Miles — 1 Day’s Journey 33 

172 


4.0 


87 



Dedicated 

TO 

My Mothek and Fkiends 

WITH 

GKATEFUL APPRECIATION OF THEIR KINDNESS, AID AND 


SYMPATHY 


INTRODUCTORY 

The writer wishes to state that in writing 
the story of the Masonic City, he endeavors to extol 
the Fraternal Organization that lays claim to the 
Emblem known and recognized by its peculiar sym- 
bol in every corner of the Hemisphere, viz., 

THE SQUAEE AND COMPASS 

In writing the story, the writer has chiefly home 
in mind the possibility of it being adaptable for a 
moving picture. A picture depending entirely upon 
the amount of pains expended in producing it so as 
to give the most wonderment and realism to the spec- 
tator. 

The writer has endeavored to include in his 
story only such scenes which he believes can possibly 
be converted to the screen, and only that which 
would have the unbiased approval of the Fraternity 
which it endeavors to eulogize. 

With no learned authority upon the great anti- 
quity of Freemasonry; with no claim to kinship or 
connection with the occult tie which binds its mem- 
bers, but with a limited knowledge of the origination 
and developement of architecture, its magnificence 
so ably described in the Bible concerning the building 
of King Solomon's Temple, and by exercising con- 
siderable imagination, he has been able to gather 
material enough to weave this story. 

Masonry, or that which constitutes the founda- 
tion upon which the Society of Freemasons has been 
built, has a broad claim upon the origin, develop- 


V 


ment, and history of architecture. The skill of the 
various artificers was brought together and consoli- 
dated; and architecture was chosen to be the exem- 
plification of it. Through and by it men strove and 
competed in their efforts to reach a superlative de- 
gree of perfection of an art which would make them 
superior to their fellow-man. Hence, the introduc- 
tion and advancement of civilization itself. But be- 
fore these grand works of art could be set apart 
and so placed that the world might stare in 
wonderment, it was necessary for the workmen to 
employ certain instruments to perfect and make 
their work effective. Throughout the ages these 
instruments of trade have been employed, but not 
until the building of King Solomon ^s Temple did 
the workmen form such a superlative estimation of 
their value as to imortalize them as being the chief 
and essential factors to the success and achievement 
of their work. 

The writer’s conception of Masonry in one of 
its chief characteristics is that it has embraced and 
covered nearly all of the known sciences from time 
immemorial to those of the present day. Men in 
all walks of life have in a measure been guided by 
its influence. Therefore, the writer feels safe in 
stating that an artificer, though he be not directly 
affiliated with the Ancient Fraternity, does embrace 
many of the occult principles and exhibits them 
daily, but is ignorant of the significant meaning ap- 
plied to that particular thing performed. However, 
the builders of antiquity passed on, leaving, as it 
were, their footprints in the sand of time; a rich 
inheritance for succeeding generations. 


— J. T. F. 


THE MASONIC CITY 


The Masonic City 


On a beautiful June morning, a ship sailed out 
of the harbor of New York, bound for Mediterranean 
ports. Somewhat apart from the many passengers 
on board, and in a very conspicuous part of the deck, 
a small group had congregated. This group consis- 
ted of five persons, namely; the Eev. Laurence Pot’ 
ters, a retired missionary; Mr. and Mrs. George 
Saulters, regular globe trotters; Egbert Greystone, 
son of a wealthy and highly respected Congressman ; 
and Naomi Greystone, his wife. 

This little party group were laughing and jok- 
ing and having a jolly good time. The Mr. Saulters 
who had drunk something for his stomach’s sake and 
other infirmities, was really overdoing himself in 
bidding New York a last farewell. He slighted none. 
Even the buildings and docks received a fair propor- 
tion of the most exquisite hand thrown kisses and 
hand waves. At times it was necessary for him to 
use the finger tips of both hands, simultaneously as 
the French do, to throw kisses. This Mr. Saulters 
laid claim to ancestry which connected itself with 
royalty and some of the best blood in Europe. He 
was four feet five inches in height, and was a regular 
7 


fashion plate, cut and fitted to the most discrimin- 
ating taste. He wore a monocle over his right eye 
and it was attached to a broad ribbon. 

After the ship cleared the harbor, the center of 
amusement shifted itself to Egbert Greystone and 
his wife. One could plainly see that they were em- 
barrassed and annoyed by Mr. Saulters* well meant 
but extreme behavior. They were the target for his 
remarks, and thus it was learned that they were bride 
and groom and this their wedding tour. The whole 
party was embarked for Egypt where the Rev. Lau- 
rence Potters intended to remain indefinitely for the 
purpose of research work. The others intended to 
spend their time traveling to such places that pleased 
their fancy. 

The steamer landed at Alexandria where every- 
thing immediately took on new life. The passengers 
and baggage handlers jostled each other in their 
rush to get off the ship, but, through all the hurrying 
and scurrying, each member of that exclusive party 
of five was distinctly recognized in the crowd 
on the gangplank. A day or two later, in the streets 
of Cairo, they were seen winding their way here and 
there among the many curio shops in search of 
souvenirs. Mr. Saulters still bore testimony of hav- 
ing a good supply of alcholic beverage in his system. 
He was quite silly. Furthermore, he was endeavor- 
ing to flirt with every woman he saw, in spite of ad- 
monitions from his wife. 

About three or four days later, a caravan ar- 
rived at Cairo making its customary stop incidental 
to proceeding on its way across the desert. The 
route taken by this caravan took one past the Sphinx 
and Pyramids, so it was customary for it to stop 
8 


long enough to allow passengers to visit and view 
these wonders of the world. Our friends with the 
exception of the Rev. Laurence Potters, had decided 
to go along with it and were at the depot early to 
purchase their seats. This caravan consisted of a 
small detachment of Egyptians with their camels, 
and many passengers were already mounted on the 
backs of the overpacked animals. They were 
sitting, one on each side, in seats so arranged as to 
establish equilibrium. 

It was interesting to notice the clothing worn 
by the Egyptian men attached to the caravai.*, espe- 
cially those who desired to make an impression. 
They wore enormous white turbans having a silk 
handkerchief of various colors lightly thrown over 
it, a loose robe of brilliant material, and white turk- 
ish trousers of large capacity. Their foot-wear con- 
sisted of red slippers turned up at the toes. The 
caravan chief did not hesitate to let it be known that 
each trip was taken under great hazards. He said 
the journey would require about two weeks to cover 
a distance of three hundred miles, and would lead 
through sandy plains, with only here and there a 
watering place, where daring holdnips and robberies 
were frequently committed. So nearly everybody 
was furnished with some weapon for protection, 
either a gun, a knife or a scimiter. 

The packs and passengers finally ready, the sig- 
nal was given, and the caravan started on its way 
out across the desert, having forty or more camels 
in the outfit. The camels walked in a single row or 
column, those behind being tied to the tails of those 
that preceeded them. A stop, simply long enough 
to visit the Sphinx, was made, then the caravan pro- 
9 


ceeded, and from their seats the tourists viewed tne 
Pyramids. Hours passed, and soon there was noth- 
ing to be seen but the sky above and the vast stretch 
of desert extending in every direction to the horizon 
The exhilaration displayed at the beginning of the 
trip had long since died. The w^eather was fearfully 
hot, and every person in the outfit had fallen into a 
state of gloomy endurance. Only now and then was 
the silence broken by some attendant who urged his 
beast along. Suddenly a porter yelled and pointed 
his arm in the direction of the horizon to what ap- 
peared to be a cloud of dust. As the cloud drew 
nearer, various ones raised their binoculars and dis- 
tinguished a large body of horsemen. Imagine the 
surprise when the chief of the caravan ordered 
every one from his perch, huddled the women to- 
gether, and prepared the men in readiness for battle. 
He had recognized the horsemen to be a terrifying 
band of Tartaric marauders, bent on murder and 
plunder. Excitement prevailed. The marauders, 
naturally greedy, dispersed themselves in every di- 
rection to encircle the caravan and reap their bloody 
harvest. 

Egbert Greystone produced a revolver, and after 
fervently kissing Naomi, took his place upon the 
firing line. She was frightened and horror stricken, 
but she resolved to die by her husband’s side, and 
begged to be permitted to remain with him. Hur- 
riedly surveying the situation, he decided it might 
be just as Avell to grant her request. The marauders 
opened fire on the little band, and a few fell. The 
fire was returned, and several of the murderers were 
killed. The brutal bandit chief ordered his men to 
close in and to annihilate. In the battle, not only the 
10 


swords and knives, but even the teeth and nails of 
the combatants were made use of in their fury 
Many of the caravan victims were dragged from 
their lurking holes and mutilated. But Greystone 
managed to force his way out of that fight, and 
when he emerged he was dragging Naomi. With a 
revolver, he had cleared a path to freedom. 

Some distance from the fight, a bandit was in 
charge of a group of horses. They were tethered 
and ready to be released instantly. The bandit ^s 
interest in the fight was so great that he failed to 
note the aj)proach of Greystone at first. It was a 
surprise, but he soon got over it, and crouching 
behind every means of concealment he crept, with 
- a long knife clenched in his hand, until he got within 
striking distance, then, with all his might, hurled 
himself at his foe. Greystone, though ever alert and 
even expecting to find the animals guarded, found 
the attack from that particular quarter so unex- 
pected and sudden that he did not have time to raise 
his gun. But he knew something about the art of 
self-defence. Sidestepping the rush, he caught the 
fellow square on the point of the jaw with his fist 
and knocked him sprawling, but in less time than it 
takes to tell, the fellow regained his feet and again 
hurled himself at Greystone. This time Greystone 
• managed to get a vise-like grip on the fellow’s wrist. 
Backward and forward, and from side to side the 
men tusseled and shuffled, every muscle strained to 
the utmost. Wide eyed, puffing, ferocious beast-like 
species, each striving to take the other’s life. Twice 
the bandit had Greystone, under. Twice the glitter- 
ing steel had gone within an inch of its mark. Shiel" 
ded by the horses this battle raged unmolested 
11 


and was witnessed only by the trembling terrorized 
chalk-face girl. Greystone, who was tiring fast, 
realized that it was only a matter of moments before 
that shining instrument would pierce his heart. How 
he hated to die. With his remaining strength, ho 
somehow wrenched the knife from the bandit ^s hand. 
It landed just beyond reach of both. But, Naomi saw 
what happened, and quick as a flash jumped and 
obtained it and plunged it to the hilt into the bandit’s 
back. 

Hastily getting up and glancing about, Grey- 
stone untethered two horses. Seizing Naomi, ho 
threw her upon one animal and mounted the other, 
and then, at top speed, sought an avenue of escape. 
Both horses carried Greystone and Naomi quite a 
distance before their attempt to escape was appar- 
ently noticed, but soon two Arabians were seen 
giving chase. The Arabian, who was slightly in the 
lead, raised his rifle and fired. Greystone now knew 
it was time to use the loaded rifle he had discovered 
attached to the saddle upon which he was perched. 
Wlieeling his horse slightly, he fired a shot which 
caused the leading horse to fall and throw its rider, 
and the other horse to stumble over the dead ani- 
mal’s body and in some manner break a leg. Grey- 
stone and Naomi covered considerable ground, but 
he noticed that her steed, in spite of all urging, was 
rapidly decreasing in speed. They were soon 
forced to dismount. A hurried examination dis- 
closed a wound near the flank. A few moments later 
the horse trembled, staggered, and dropped dead at 
their feet. 

Fate appeared to be plaving against them and 
they knew it. The strain, together with fatigue and 
12 


and hunger, was beginning to have its effect, yet 
there was nothing else to do but to press onward in 
the direction undertaken. For a short period Naomi 
gave up to a crying spell and her husband did every- 
thing possible to console her. The knowledge within 
him told that the odds were against them, as he ar- 
ranged the equipments so as to continue their flight. 
He placed Naomi on the saddle in front of him, but 
this did not suit the horse, so very little progress was 
made. It finally became necessary for Grey stone to 
dismount and lead the animal, thereby leaving the 
saddle all to his wife. He removed the rifle from its 
case and placed it under his arm, then seizing the 
reins, he proceeded to make his way across the 
desert. Here and there on both sides of their route 
were skeletons of animals, and a few whose car- 
casses, only partially eaten by buzzards, tainted the 
air. They continued to press steadily on until night- 
faU. 

The surrounding territory in that particular 
locality was here and there dotted with a desert 
growth resembling the sage bush. These bushes 
grew to a height of about three feet and possessed 
no leaves. One might think they were a lot of dead 
bushes stuck here and there in the sand. Digging 
in the sand showed no signs of water, yet it was 
wonderful that a Power could create a bush to live 
in such a place and thrive. Fastening the reins over 
and around a bush to prevent the horse from stray- 
ing, Greystone prepared a bed in the sand for Naomi, 
placed her in it, and then retired a short distance to 
stand guard for the night. Naomi called, so he came 
back and sat down and held one of her hands until 
she fell asleep. Then he arose and took a position 
13 


a few feet away. Hours rolled by, and, in a squat- 
ting position, tie watched and smoked. Nature, 
however, gradually got the upper hand. His head 
and body commenced to sway to and fro, and finally 
he became apparently indifferent and unconcerned 
as to his surroundings. Naomi awoke suddenly, 
having been startled by some wild dream, and be- 
wildered at first by not seeing her husband, gave a 
cry. Grey stone was wide awake in a jiffy and by 
her side. She complained of being thirsty, and be- 
sought her husband to get her a drink. He immed- 
iately obtained the water bag attached to the saddle, 
but found it nearly three-fourths empty. He brought 
it to her and she fairly gulped it down. He actually 
did the same. Then it suddenly dawned upon him 
that it was necessary to go sparingly with the water 
as there were no signs anywhere of replacing it. 
Hereafter they were simply to wet their lips and 
throat. Observing that it was now about sunrise, 
Greystone lost no time in making preparation to 
resume their flight. Their horse was vigorously 
pawing with his fore feet, undoubtedly in hope of 
finding water. Then Greystone was seen to pucker 
his brow, for then he knew that in this animal all 
hope for any possible escape was staked. The horse 
must have water by all means. But where were 
they to get it? The sickening thought banished 
every hope of ever seeing God^s country again. En- 
twining their arms around each other, they knelt in 
the sand and bowed in humble submission to their 
Creator. They prayed to God for deliverance. Then 
they got up and, after gently carressing the horse, 
took down the water bag and gave him the last drop. 

They were about to start. The horse, whose 

14 


reins had been thrown over the bnsh, bolted, yanked 
and overturned the small bush to which he was fast- 
ened. Something happened. Behold, this bush was 
growing in a wooden box that was hinged to a frame. 
Recovering from the effect produced by this queer 
turn of events, Greystone cautiously approached the 
aperture and found this box to be a lid or trap door 
to something buried in the sand. Peering down, 
there to his increased surprise, he found a well; a 
most wonderful piece of masonry that was ever con- 
structed of brick and stone. When the lid was 
closed there were no means by which one might 
discover this cleverly contrived place, for the bush, 
like thousands that grew thereabout, completely hid 
its secret. Greystone beckoned to his wife and she 
approached the edge and looked down at the water 
below. They were so perturbed it was a hard matter 
for them to think. Unbelievable as it may seem, yet 
here was a well, in a place where bones of animals 
and people were strewn about in an attitude that 
indicated that their search had been for water. But 
was this water good to drink? This was the ques- 
tion. Naomi detected that means had been provided 
for one to climb down. Projecting pieces of stone, 
simply large enough for a foothold, formed a ladder. 
At the bottom was a ledge upon which three or more 
persons might stand. Naomi pointed this feature 
out to her husband, and he lost no more time with 
conjectures but immediately climbed in and decen- 
ded. Grave apprehension ensued because the water 
appeared to be black from the earth ^s surface. Grey- 
stone scooped up a handful and found it to be clear. 
Placing it to his lip it apparently was good to drink. 
Only the imagination can correctly picture the joy 
15 


i 


over this miraculous discovery. 

The problem of watering the horse still con- 
fronted them and afforded much concern. The 
method formerly employed, which consisted of hold- 
ing the bag so the water could trickle down the horses 
throat, was inadequate. The horse had not been 
trained to drink water in that fashion, therefore, 
very little of the water entered his interior. But 
Naomi solved the problem by a novel arrangement. 
She directed her husband to get the water bag and 
hold it bottom upward, then, with the thumb and 
fore finger of each hand, grasp the edge of each side 
midway its length. She then took hold of the bottom 
section, placed her fingers along the part held by 
Greystone, and commenced to tuck in the sides. Soon 
she had constructed a very serviceable bucket, and 
in a short time the horse was watered. Frankly 
Greystone commended Naomi for being able to devise 
means to overcome a difficulty in the hour of need. 

Converting the bag into its original shape, 
Greystone was on the point of entering the well to 
fill it when he noticed the peculiar behavior of the 
horse. He was snorting, whinnying, and acting 
queer, and Greystone thought it not a bad idea to 
look around. Then on the horizon he dimly out- 
lined a mass form. He knew not whether it was 
friend or foe, so he ordered Naomi to enter the 
well. Then he dexteriously moved about endeavor- 
ing to destroy all signs of anyone having recently 
traveled in that vicinity. He released the horse and 
drove it away in the opposite direction. Crouching 
as near the earth as possible, he hurriedly entered 
the well and carefully pulled the hatch down in 
place. 


16 


From the surface, everything appeared as usual 
Once more the little bush was growing upright in the 
sand. But Greystone forgot something, He thought 
of it as soon as he had closed the hatch, but it was 
then too late. He had failed to extract the rifle from 
its case on the saddle. From his hip pocket, he ob- 
tained a search light so that he might examine his 
revolver. He found the cylinders empty. The sick- 
ening thoughts that followed caused him to drop the 
useless weapon into the water. He threw a beam of 
light on Naomi and saw her huddling close to the 
wall and trembling from head to foot. He reached 
the helpless girl and caught her just as she swooned 
and was falling. The sudden weight that fell against 
him caused him to stagger and reach out for support. 
In doing so he pushed outward a small stone door. 
It was about two feet square, and flapped back to its 
original position as soon as he removed his hand. 
Greystone examined this little door after his wife 
had been brought back to consciousness. He found 
it cleverly hinged at the top, and balanced and con* 
structed in such a way as to automaticly close and 
remain so until disturbed by some exterior power. 
When closed, no means were visible for telling that 
a door was built in the wall. Even Greystone had 
to run his hands along its surface and depend upon 
pressure to find it again. It revealed a tube-like 
tunnel through which one might crawl. 

(INTERLUDE) 

The mass form finally took the shape of horse- 
men. A few could be seen dashing madly in and 
among the bushes as if in search of something. Un- 

17 


questionable, it was the same band of outlaws, only 
considerably reenforced. Hitherto, no victim had 
ever escaped from their grasp. Therefore, to main- 
tain this boast accounted for much of the activities 
displayed. On they came, the main outfit riding 
their horses at a canter, until within a few feet of 
the bush over the well. Here the leader commanded 
his men to halt. 


(INTERLUDE) 

Grey stone and Naomi were soon alert to the 
sound of trampling hoofs that seemingly centered 
right over their heads. With grave apprehension 
lest their hiding place be discovered or known, 
they entered the tunnel. While creeping on hands 
and knees through this dark tube, Greystone’s head 
came in contact with a piece of wood protruding 
from the ceiling. A slight rumbling sound was 
heard behind them. That piece of wood operated a 
locking device at the entrance of the tunnel. After 
their fear of danger from that particular quarters 
had passed, they, by lying flat and creeping on their 
stomachs, passed beneath this lever. 

(INTERLUDE) 

The bandit chief appeared to be puzzled and 
provoked, and raged because his men did not bring 
what he told them to seek. He wanted to meet a 
certain man personally and engage him in a personal 
encounter. With hellish delight, he contrived means 
to provoke a fight for the possession of a certain 
woman in the event of this man being taken alive. 

13 


It would be a duel fought on the level so that each 
might have an equal chance. In reality, it was to be 
a murder because the means contrived were wicked 
and cruel in their design. But the contemplations 
formed in his nefarious brain caused him to think 
he could appear more to an advantage before the 
woman he intended to have for himself. Suddenly 
the chief’s dream was interrupted, and he stared 
with bulging eyes at an object on the ground near 
a bush. With eyes glued to the spot while dismount- 
ing, he, in a few quick strides, stooped and picked 
up a whalebone hair pin, then smiled as he examined 
it. 

Hurriedly calling his officers and men to assem- 
ble, he held the article high so that they might see 
it, then allowed his wrath and fury to decend upon 
them. He was talking when two tardy members 
came dashing up. They reported that they had 
seen a moving object in the distance that might 
possibly be a horse. It was so far away they could 
only detect it was moving, and the distance was too 
great to give chase alone. The chief now believed 
the object to be within his grasp. Designating the 
two men as guides, he gave a signal and the band 
rode rapidly away. 

(INTERLUDE) 

Journeying on hands and knees was tiresome, 
and our friends knew not where the tube would lead. 
Finally Greystone’s hand came in contact with a 
stone barrier, a door identically like the one leading 
from the well. Cautiously he applied his strength 
and opened it enough to peep in. A beam of light 
19 


entered through the opening. Making the aperture 
still larger, he got a good view of the place into 
which the door opened. It was a room about twenty 
feet long, twelve feet wide, and fifteen feet high. 
It was built of masonry and void of signs of being 
inhabited. Believing that no immediate danger 
lurked within these walls. Grey stone and Naomi got 
out of the tube, but were so completely exhausted 
that they sank to the floor. 

After resting a while they took a closer observ- 
ation of their surroundings, and noticed that the 
room was peculiarly lighted by a phosphorous sub- 
stance lined and embedded in and about the walls and 
ceiling, and was not the light of day as they had pre- 
supposed. The light was of a greenish cast, and gave 
the chamber a ghastly and uncanny appearance. A 
trough was on the immediate left of their entrance. 
It was about fourteen inches wide, and was embedded 
in the wall about three feet from the floor. In it ran 
clear cool spring water from somewhere, and con- 
tinued its flow through the adjacent wall. As to 
where it found an outlet was as much a mystery as 
the source of supply. Grey stone and Naomi took a 
drink and were greatly refreshed. They theorized 
and concluded that the air in this chamber was kept 
renewed by the intake and expulsion of the running 
water. They undoubtedly were right for no other 
means to get air were visible. 

The side walls possessed no mural designs, but 
the center wall contained the most remarkable fea- 
ture of the chamber and held Greystone spellbound 
for a considerable length of time. It seemed as if 
some valuable information was written there, puz- 
zling and mystifying, yet like unto a light to one in 
20 


darkness. Two doors were built in this wall, one at 
each end, placed about eight inches from the comers. 
They were about four feet wide and nine feet high, 
and formed the entrances to two long passageways 
which were beautifully decorated and ornamented 
with carvings of various shapes and forms. The 
floors were made of tile with floral designs. How 
ever, no straight view could be obtained where these 
passageways led. In the space between the doors, 
and directly in the center near the ceiling, was a 
hand chiselled representation of the All-Seeing-Eye. 
Directly beneath this was the (Square and Compass) 
Masonic emblem. Beneath the emblem hung three 
pine torches and a bowl of flint suspended by a wild 
grape vine. Beneath the torches and bowl, and on 
a level with the floor, was an opening about three 
feet square. 

Naomi suggested entering the doorway on the 
right, and later the one on the left, but Greystone, 
for some reason, was reluctant about entering either. 
His actions were a trifle perplexing to his wife be- 
cause he gave no reason for not choosing one of the 
two exits. He appeared lost in deep study. Sud- 
denly he looked at the Masonic emblem, then, in a 
few strides, reached and obtained a torch, and light- 
ing it with the flint, bade his wife to follow. But in- 
stead of entering the doors, Greystone led his wife 
through the opening. Once more they were on their 
hands and knees and were compelled to endure the 
hardship of traveling in this fashion. Why Grey- 
stone should choose such a route was more than 
Naomi could understand, but she had heard her 
husband’s biddings to follow, so she did in humble 
obedience and silence. 


21 


After creeping seemingly longer than before, 
Grey stone found himself upon the brink of a steep 
incline or a shute. In fact, he had crept upon it un- 
awhere, and was so far over as to be unable to get 
back. Naomi screamed as she frantically grabbed 
Greystone^s foot in an etfort to save him, but his 
weight was too great, and she was also pulled over. 
Their lightning like flight down the shute soon de- 
posited them unhurt into a large sized tunnel of such 
dimension that a horse and cart might pass through 
were it not for the large rocks and holders here and 
there along its course. These formed barriers which 
Greystone and Naomi were compelled to climb over. 
It was hard Avork, and their strength was nearly 
gone. It was remarkable, indeed, hoAv they had 
stood it this far as neither had had a morsel of food 
since starting out with the caravan. In the distance 
Greystone saw a light, so staggering, stumbling and 
partially dragging Naomi, he struggled to reach it. 
When he got to where the light was, he discovered 
that they were at the mouth of the tunnel. 

Naomi was unable to take another step so Grey- 
stone left her within a short distance of the entrance 
gates and cautiously proceeded alone to reconnoitre. 
He crept past the gates on his stomach and found 
himself upon a large stone balcony OA^erlooking the 
side of a huge cliff. At one end of the cliff, and near 
the gate stood a gTiard house. It was empty, but 
had not been so for any great length of time, for a 
small table was laden with food. Greystone took 
enough for two and went back to Naomi. They sat 
down behind a huge rock and ate. After eating, 
they slept for hours. 


\ 


22 


PART TWO 


A large bug crept across Greystone’s face and 
caused him to arouse suddenly from his slumber, and 
to imagine what terrible results might follow the 
bite of such a horrid looking creature. He shud* 
dered, and a pang of shame also crept over him as 
he thought of Naomi and realized how poor a pro- 
tector he was. Then he saw, by the light that en- 
tered the mouth of the tunnel, thousands of these 
giant-size centipedes on the walls and ceiling. Im- 
mediately the place was a spot to be dreaded, so 
snatching up Naomi he carried her out to where in 
all probability other dangers awaited. Fortunately, 
no one was on the balcony or in sight, and in the 
opening they recovered rapidly. A stone balustrade 
bordered the front and one side, and over this they 
decided to look. Below them, spread out as if by 
magic, was a beautiful city. The inhabitants ap- 
parently were sleeping, for the stillness of the night 
was broken now and then only by the crowing of a 
cock. Once or twice, they heard the distant baying 
23 


of a hound, and it caused a queer feeling to run along 
their spine. If the city would only arouse from its 
slumber and go hustling and bustling like any other 
city, the loneliness would not be so great, thought 
Greystone. To have seen some one stirring about 
might have helped some, especially at that hour in 
the morning. 

After awhile Greystone and Naomi noticed that 
the cliff upon which they stood was one of four that 
formed a wall around the city which they judged 
was about four miles square. The cliffs extended 
straight up for a distance of nearly two miles and 
then arched over, leaving a circular opening at the 
top about a mile or more in diameter. Around the 
edge where the arch formed the opening, a wall of 
fire belched high into the air. The center of the open- 
ing was clear and the stars could be seen. This fire 
was what illuminated the city and gave it nearly the 
light of day. It came from some place in the earth’s 
interior, or probably it was a vein from some vol- 
cano. No doubt people for generations had seen fire 
and smoke belching from the top of this mountain, 
and to them it was simply a volcano. As no one, 
except those within, knew that the eruption simply 
took place near the crater, and the depth below it 
could be inhabited, it would be the last place for any 
person to look for a living thing much less to men- 
tion the finding of such a thing as a city. 

Enraptured and thrilled by what they saw, 
Greystone and Naomi failed to see the guard, who, 
while making his rounds, detected them and sped 
with unusual nimbleness to spread the alarm. The 
guard mistook the couple for an apparition, and the 
squad of soldiers who came in responce to the call 
24 


entertained the same belief. They did not rusU up, 
but instead, stood alar and viewed the awe-inspiring 
couple, niventually, one recovered sufficiently to re- 
member the gate at the tuimers entrance, and sped 
away to close it. The gate was controlled by an ap- 
paratus with a large wheel and soon barred any 
attempt to escape from that direction. A bell hung 
from a projecting piece of cliff, and its rope dangled 
close to the wheel. From the way the guard rang 
the bell, one would have thought it was a riot call. 
People came running from every direction, and af- 
ter they learned that strangers had discovered an 
entrance to their city, it was all a cordon of soldiers 
could do to deal with the excited mob. 

A prelate and a few sub-ordinates were among 
those first to arrive, which was a piece of good for- 
tune, for Grey stone and Naomi would have been de- 
capitated on the spot had not this man seen the dis- 
tress signal known only to a Master Mason. At first 
he thought his eyes had deceived him, but the signal 
was flashed again. Others saw it and stood aghast, 
then impulsively assisted the soldiers in subduing 
the throngs that surged back and forth. The- Pre- 
late managed to command Greystone’s attention, 
then signal after signal and sign after sign flashed 
back and forth through the intervening space. The 
adage that, “Nothing travels and spreads faster 
than news’’ was here demonstrated to be a fact for 
the Most High And Exalted Ruler of the city re- 
ceived news concerning the strangers long before the 
official messenger reached the palace. And you are 
informed that this fellow could show some speed. 

After the Prelate and those about him were sat- 
isfied that Greystone was a Mason, they raised their 
25 


hands and bade the crowd disperse. Greystone and 
his wife were then arrested and taken to a cave 
which served the purpose of a prison. Here they 
were questioned through an interpreter, and des- 
cribed their trip across the desert, the attack by the 
Tartaric band, the escape and accidental discovery 
of the well, and the passageway to the chamber with 
the two doors and the small square opening. The 
officials, after hearing their story, published a nar- 
rative of the exploits for free distribution. By 
giving the people an opportunity to learn the facts, 
their attitude changed and they marveled at the feat 
of the couple for they had traveled, as it were, 
‘‘Through the Valley of Death.’’ A valley of death 
indeed, for should they have taken either exit lead- 
ing from that particular chamber, their bodies would 
have been torn assunder and scattered about by the 
many and various contrivances installed therein for 
that purpose. 

But now that the city had the uninvited guests 
on their hands, what were they to do with them was 
the problem. The judges knew no course other than 
to keep their prisoners until something in the future 
might warrant their disposal. One thing was learned 
and that was the couple would never be allowed to 
leave the city but would spend the rest of their days 
there. As time went on, the people, who were Egyp- 
tians and in general were friendly, gradually forgot 
to treat Greystone and Naomi as ordinary prisoners, 
but rather as hero and heroine. Many believed some 
Supernatural Power had sent the strangers into their 
midst. Greystone noticed that the men with whom 
he came in contact used the Masonic sign. City ad- 
ministrators, clerg^unen, soldiers, and civilians with 
26 


no particular mark of distinction used it. Their 
conversations showed friendliness, and often an in- 
quiry concerning the doings of the outside world 
would be asked. It was while discussing the subject 
of Masonry Greystone learned that he and his wife 
had entered a city where all the male inhabitants 
were members of the Masonic Order. Hence the 
Masonic City, a city where every man possessed 
some degree, either small or great, in that ancient 
organization, and actually lived, worked, and was 
governed by its teachings. Greystone could hardly 
comprehend such a place to be possible, though he 
himself was a Mason of high degree. 

One day the Most High And Exalted Ruler sent 
for Greystone. He had heard so much about the 
strange sayings and wisdom of this male prisoner 
until he had become anxious to meet and talk with 
him. Therefore, Greystone was bound hand and foot, 
and a small black bag was placed over his head and 
drawn down to the shoulders and fastened. He was 
placed in a sedan and was conveyed to the palace 
upon the shoulders of eight men. When the palace 
gates were reached, his body was transferred to a 
litter and was carried and placed at the foot of the 
throne. The Ruler, who was known as King Phara, 
commanded that the fetters binding the prisoner be 
cut and the blindfold removed, and also that he be 
placed upon his feet. With his shackles strewn 
around the floor Greystone stood face to face with 
the king. Their eyes met, and certain signs and grips 
were exchanged. King Phara and members of his 
court were amazed at Greystone ’s knowledge, and 
tested him in various ways, and when they discovered 
that he was a 33rd Degree Mason, exceedingly great 
27 


was their astonishment. Without further ado, the 
King declared Greystone and his wife free from 
further imprisonment, and commanded that a dinner 
he prepared and served in the dining hall. At the 
table their talk consisted of things concerning Ma- 
sonry, and when they were through Greystone was 
informed that all the privileges, befitting one of his 
standing, would be accorded as long as he made no 
attempt to escape. He was aalso advised to induce 
Naomi to connect herself with the Order of the E'ast- 
ern Star, the branch of the Masonic Order which 
comprised all the female inhabitants of the city. 

Eventually, Greystone and Naomi became so 
well liked that King Phara frequently consulted and 
asked for their opinion upon many great problems. 
A richly furnished residence was provided within a 
short distance of the palace, and thus they entered 
into the life of the city. You will probably be in- 
terested to know that Naomi advanced rapidly to a 
high seat in the Order of the Eastern Star mainly 
because her education was such as to enable her to 
teach the women many things employed in the West- 
ern Hemisphere. Although the Masonic Citj” v/as 
in an advanced state of civilization, many antique 
methods were used, these having been handed down 
from generations past. A few were even crude and 
inefficient. But Naomi took an active interest in 
instructing the women in things of a domestic char- 
acter, and especially in the method of caring for 
children. She gained and commanded the respect 
of all, and in general became greatly beloved. These 
influencial attainments were not reached in a day 
because there were many who objected and were re- 
luctant about adopting new ideas and modem ways. 

28 


If King Phara had not influenced the people ])y 
telling them the need of advancing with the times, 
and educating themselves along such lines, it is 
doubtful whether half the methods or things sug- 
gested by our friends would ever have come into gen- 
eral use or practice. We shall not dwell longer upon 
this subject, but must focus our attention to a day 
Egbert Greystone accompanied King Phara on a 
tour of the city. 

Leaving the palace by way of the North gate 
brought Greystone to a spot where he stopped and 
viewed this most wonderful stimcture. It was dis- 
tinguished for its princely elegance and ornamental 
fronts. Its principal and distinctive features were 
the arcades surrounding the court, the porticoes of 
the front and sides, the atlantes that supported the 
entablatures and formed the conservatory, and the 
colossal columns forming the colonnade. These were 
all made of white marble of proper proportion, and 
the carvings and decorations were such as few skilled 
workmen elsewhere have produced. In constructing 
this building the Composite Order of architecture 
was observed, a noticeable contrast, as nearly all 
their buildings and edifices were constructed along 
the lines of the Ionic, Tuscan or Doric style. The 
Corinthian Order, though represented, was not so 
prominent among the aggregation. The premises 
of the palace was really a beauty spot adorned with 
statues, immense amphoras, and marble fountains 
supported by caryatics and engraved with m3d:holo- 
gical subjects. Similar fountains stood along the 
streets of the city spouting cold spring water. The 
entrance gates, four in number and set according to 
the four points of the compass, were profusely dec- 
29 


orated with mouldings, wreaths, masks and human 
figures in relief. 

In passing through the city, Greystone noticed 
that numerous citizens dressed in conformity with 
the degree of Masonic attainment, the dress being of 
ancient pattern, and that many soldiers were clad in 
heavy suits of armour, while others wore lighter 
suits. These lighter suits consisted of helmet, a coat 
of light armour or a breast protector, a short skirt, 
and metal leggings to adorn the fore part of the leg. 
Everybody, except small children, wore sandals, yet 
it was no ninth wonder to see probably an old man 
or woman toddling along in bare feet. Long loose 
robes were worn by both men and women, and the 
garment called the toga was worn by the expounders 
of the law or judiciary body and the instructors at 
the various seats of learning. The soldier with his 
spear and shield, the citizen and his costume, the city 
itself caused Greystone to think of what ancient 
elerusalem was like in comparison, and he commented 
upon the magnificence of everything. 

He was taken to the temple and saw the monu- 
ment of civilization, the most massive specimen of 
the Doric Order of architecture in existence. It re- 
sembled the Parthenon at Athens, only here was 
executed greater care and delicacy. The position 
and lines of the nude figures that graced tlie space 
between the pillars; the entablature, containing the 
frieze with triglyphs and metopes; the pediment, 
all gave expression to the acme of perfection of those 
things that are beautiful and grand. The temple of 
Neptune at Paestum, Southern Italy, would gladly 
exchange pedestals for the sake of showing this trea- 
sure to the world. 


30 


After viewing the exterior, King Ph'ara and 
Greystone climbed the broad flight of stairs and en- 
tered a doorway that formed the entrance to a large 
hall or chamber. This outer chamber was set apart 
and dedicated to the sacred memory of the Entered 
Apprentice Degree, and Greystone was so struck 
with its beauty, that while little attention, compar- 
itively, was bestowed on the exterior; his attention 
was immediately concentrated to the gigantic jew- 
eled Masonic emblem, conspicuously hung from the 
ceiling, and the elaborate interior decorations. One 
must remember that, aside from the candles and 
sacred fires, there were no modern employment of 
means for lighting this sanctuary, yet the light ob- 
tained from the volcanic ejectment, was admitted 
into the temple in such a manner, as, by excluding 
external prospects, to confine the admiration of the 
spectator chiefly to the ornaments and beauties of 
the interior. Throughout the temple the utmost 
labour and skill had been expended in embellishing 
the walls and ceilings. Beautiful paintings on the 
walls, such as. The Wheat Field, Cutting Bovm Ce- 
dars, W^orkmen in Quarries, and numerous others, 
were adornments which expressed their significance 
only to those who could interpret their meaning. It 
looked as if every dash of the painter's brush had 
executed some meaning and character. The group- 
ing was harmonious, and delicacy of every detail 
demonstrated the ability of those who could produce 
such wonderful works of art. Aside from their in- 
terpretation, they were a most wonderful assemb- 
lage of pictures. . 

Along both sides of the chamber were niches 
each containing some pillar or other object of wor- 
31 


ship. At certain intervals small doorways led to 
small chambers or ante-rooms of various dimensions. 
Three huge amphoras, one containing sacred com^ 
one sacred wine, and the other precious oil, stood 
in a row near a wall. Two large Wardens’ columns 
stood angular shape in one corner of this chamber. 
A sprig of Acacia stood conspicuously in another. 
Near the center of the room stood a pulpit, and 
placed within a few feet of it were three tall candle- 
sticks. The pulpit had been hewn out of one piece 
of white marble, and the carved decorations on 
it were of a floral ornamentation. Opposite the 
pulpit was a stone taken from the ruins of King 
Solomon’s temple. Heavy curtains, containing the 
Square and Compass and other insignia, draped 
the walls and adorned the doorways. 

King Phara escorted Greystone to a magnificent 
stone stairway with engravings on the risers of each 
of the first three steps. They were representations 
of some tool employed in Masonry and arranged as 
follows : the first riser contained a guage, the sec- 
ond, a level and plumb; and the third, a square. 
These three steps and an elevated surface led to a 
set of stairs, five in number, supporting five colunms 
employed in the various orders of architecture. Upon 
the tread of each step the columns were erected in 
the following order; namely, Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, 
Composite, and Corinthian. These stairs led to a 
higher elevation and still another flight of stairs, 
seven in all, having Egyptians writings and charac- 
ters, in base relief, on the tread of each step that 
represented the various steps of knowledge and 
learning ; such as. Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arith- 
metic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy. At the 
32 


top was a doorway through which a beautiful land- 
scape view could be obtained. Greystone folded his 
arms and stood long and silent while gazing at the 
scene, then turned, suddenly, to speak of the tessel- 
lated flooring at the foot of the stairs, which was 
constructed of tile in a Mosaic diamond design in 
colors. 

Passing through another doorway brought King 
Phara and Greystone into a massive hall known as 
the Middle chamber, a chamber set apart and ded- 
icated to the sacred memory of the Fellowcraft 
Degree. It resembled the chamber previously men- 
tioned in many respects, but differed by being far 
more elaborately adorned with curtains, tapestry, 
and other handsome fuinishings. The paintings, 
very noticeable on the walls, of the Five Orders of 
Architecture, Clay Grounds, and the Pillars of the 
Porch, had been most wonderfully executed. Many 
relics, including a corner-stone, a tablet, a plain slab, 
and a broken column, occupied space in a corner of 
this room, and immediately opposite stood a sea 
with twelve oxen, arranged and grouped so that three 
faced the North, three the West, three the South, and 
three the East. A large brass candelabrum, a huge 
piece of mahogany beam, a tool chest with a complete 
set of workmen’s tools, and a short trunk of a Cedar 
tree also occupied a conspicuous place in this cham- 
ber. A large cornucopia, signifying the horn of 
plenty and wrought of solid gold, hung along the side 
of a wall. King Phara informed Greystone that the 
sea with oxen, the cornucopia, and the brass candel- 
abrum had been secretly removed from Solomon’s 
temple and brought her^ after that structure had 
been destroyed. When it was definitely known that 
33 


the temple was doomed, the inhabitants themselves 
endeavored to destroy it and hide as much as pos- 
sible from King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian 
warrior. The workmen excavated an area under the 
temple, but were only able to bury these few trea- 
sures and cover them with debris. Consequently, 
these escaped the fate universally believed. The tool 
chest had been the property of an Egyptian crafts- 
man, who, while the temple was being erected, was 
hired to do some work requiring great skill. The 
Cedar log came from Lebanon and was an extra 
piece of the timber used. The cornerstone, slab, 
broken column, and the piece of mahogany were 
relics taken from the ruins of the temple. The bro- 
ken column was one of the ‘‘Pillars of the Porch. 

This chamber also contained the implements and 
equipments employed in present day ceremonies. A 
pulpit stood near the center of the floor with three 
tall candle-sticks near it. Two fluted columns, each 
possessing a Composite capital decorated with lilies, 
pomegranates and a hemisphere, stood at an angle to 
a corner and two sides of their bases could be seen. 
One side had a carving, in base relief, of a level and 
plumb; and the other, the letter “G''. Greystone 
also saw a pedestal with an hour-glass on it, and he 
watched the sands of time swiftly filter through. 

King Phara and Greystone left the Middle 
chamber by passing through a colonnade-like portal 
having draperies of massive portiers and entered 
the chapel. This chapel, which was set apart and 
dedicated to the sacred memory of the Master Mason 
Degree, was a large silent chamber of a weird and 
spooky appearance. It contained the sacred shrine, 
the principal altar of worship, whose graceful carv- 
84 


ing awakened the deepest emotion in Greystone as 
he knelt before it. This beautiful altar, a master- 
piece within itself, crowned the head of three steps. 
On these steps a set of silver tools having mahogany 
handles and inlaid with jewels of incomputable value 
had been placed. The set consisted of seven pieces, 
namely, a trowel, a level, a square, a plumb, a gauge, 
a mallet, and a compass, and had fanciful engravings 
on their metal parts. The altar, with its gold and 
silver trimmings and three lighted candles in gold 
candlesticks, and the jeweled five pointed star on 
its panel face, with the silver compass and square 
and gold wreath containing the jeweled “ All-Seeing- 
Eye’’ and the letter “G” over and on top of it, and 
also the magnificent and perfectly formed column of 
the Composite Order with its hemisphere, pomegran- 
ates, and lilies, was indeed worth traveling far to see. 

Means of illuminating the chapel was procured 
through four candelabra. Each had seven candles, 
and were placed at intervals that harmonized with 
other furnishings. Large vessels containing burning 
incense diffused an intoxicating aroma and a hazy 
blue veil of smoke. This added considerably toward 
making the chamber appear uncanny. In the har- 
monious arrangement of the many portiers, blue, 
purple, and scarlet were the colors most prominently 
used. These draperies were adorned with hand- 
worked designs. A velvet portier had the letter 
*‘G’Mn blazing gold, and the adjacent one, a bundle 
of wheat. One, draping a colonade opening, showed 
a scythe which seemed to suggest the grim reaper of 
death. Larsre pictorial pieces of tapestry, depicting 
a sword pointing to a naked heart, the All-Seeing- 
Eye, and the “Pillars of the Porch’’ in King Solo- 
35 


mon’s Temple, were such as few people see in a life 
time. Near the ceiling, an oval opening in the wall 
connected with a shaft that led to a chamber below 
the temple. The shaft was constructed so as to have 
a sounding-board so arranged as to magnify the 
trained voices of children and the accompaniment 
of harps and flutes a hundred-fold, and demons- 
trated that the original designers possessed know- 
ledge of the motion of sound-wave. The chamber 
containing the choir was probably a hundred feet 
beneath the chapel, yet the music flooded the temple 
from ceiling to floor, and as it increased harmoni- 
ously in volume, it fairly caused the walls to tremble 
and vibrate. King Phara and Greystone came to 
a halt, simultaneously, as if moved by the same 
impulse, and for a few moments both were rooted 
in their tracks. Then King Phara suddenly seized 
Greystone ’s hands, bowed his head and wept; then, 
raising his head and extending his arms toward 
heaven, he endeavored, between sobs, to allegorize 
as to what degree of superiority the heavenly choir 
must be. 


TO THE READER 

Having alluded in the most cursory manner to 
the Masonic temple, and contemplating that enough 
has been written concerning it to give you a fair 
conception of its magnitude, it seems that now is 
the most opportune time to quietly withdraw and 
await the rising of another sun to continue the itin- 
erary. A number of months rolled by in the mean- 
time, and of course many incidents and doings, owing 
to lack of space, will have to be omitted. Probably 
36 


it would be uninteresting reading because it would 
simply cover the daily routine with only minor events 
thrown in. But you will probably be interested to 
know that Greystone often went to the temple and 
worshipped his Creator within the Inner Sanctuary. 
He also attended sessional rites and ceremonies, and 
spent a large portion of time with Naomi. Together 
they took long hikes, visited many places of interest, 
and talked about the many events that had hapjiened 
since leaving home, but avoided as much as possible 
discussing matters concerning the future because of 
its uncertainty and the outlook of spending the re- 
mainder of their days in the Masonic City. Time 
carries us to a date which furnishes material for 
writing the following episode. 


37 


PAET THREE 


It was a day King Phara won in a game of chess 
with Pania, the chief captain of the guard, that he 
sent for Greystone to accompany him on a visit to 
the various seats of learning and fields of occupation^ 
Greystone assented to the proposal with a degree of 
feverish haste. This was due to the fact that he had 
been denied the privilege of visiting the Masonic 
Colleges and the places where the workmen were 
actually engaged at their trade. The invitation, 
coming as a thunderbolt out of a clear sky, of course 
produced a noticeable effect, and King Phara jok- 
ingly told him that his expectancy should not be too 
great less he suffer disappointment. 

After leaving the palace they came to a square 
pavilion where King Phara abruptly turned and 
congratulated Greystone for having served a pre- 
scribed length of time on probation. The test had 
been designed, though Greystone knew nothing of it, 
to ascertain whether he would willingly do all things 
commanded or requested, and also to note if he 
38 


would attempt to exceed the bounds of his authority 
and privileges. Now that all were satisfied, he was 
to be allowed to see those things which, for some 
reason, were hidden from general view. Entering 
the pavilion, Greystone noticed it had four doorways 
with four sets of stairs leading down to the insignia- 
bedecked tiled floor sunk about four feet below the 
street level. A fountain, standing in a circular pool 
in the center of the floor, emitted a vapor-like spray 
interspersed by sparkling jets of water in the form 
of a beautiful floral design. King Phara proceeded 
alone to the brink of the pool, knelt and removed a 
tile, and picked up a gavel. He chose a stone near 
by upon which to wield it, and listened attentively to 
a responsive thumping. When the thumping ceased, 
he led Greystone to the base of a cliff where a stone 
door, hitherto unseen, opened, to all appearance on 
its own accord, and then closed after admitting them. 

They descended a set of steps. A recess was on 
the right and in it stood a soldier, an Outer Guard, 
who could observe the approach of any one, either 
to the cliff or from the passage, without being seen. 
This was accomplished by means of spy-holes bored 
through the rocks. The recess also contained the 
mechanism for operating the door. The passage- 
way was very straight for quite a distance, then 
turned abruptly at right angles and terminated in 
a place with numerous tunnels. These tunnels, in- 
terspersed with incline planes, intersectors, and 
crossovers, branched out in every conceivable direc- 
tion and resembled the net-work of a spider’s web. 
Greystone viewed this intricate network which re- 
minded him so much of old New York’s subway. 
Then fond recollections followed in a regular train 
39 


of thoughts. King Phara led Greystone to the ex- 
treme right and entered a tunnel forming a hall or 
passagewey to many chambers. The hall and cham- 
bers were peculiarly illuminated by a phosphorus 
substance in glass containers which were attached 
to the ceiling or located in other adaptable places, 
and the light was of a brilliancy equal to any of our 
modern lamps and had a softness that did not injure 
the eyes. 

The first set of chambers that King Phara and 
Greystone entered w^ere known as the School of 
Music, and one chamber contained the singing gallery 
mentioned in the preceeding chapter. Here under 
the tutorship of Zroba, the Music Master, the child- 
ren became proficient in all the known branches of 
music. Leaving this department, they came to the 
School of Spelling, Rhetoric, and Grammar. Here, 
considerable pains was taken to develop the child- 
ren’s minds, to the extent of cultivating the five 
senses seperately by expert teachers. The Principle 
of this department was a man by the name of Phema. 
He was a jovial and good-natured character whom 
Greystone took a liking to and later they became 
very intimate friends. The next department visited 
was the School of Mathematics. All the youths were 
obliged to attend this school, and were drilled and 
grounded well in the fundamental and intricate prin- 
ciples of both the elementary and higher branches 
of mathematics. The Supervising Principle was 
Hugo, a Master Mathemetician, who possessed extra- 
ordinary ability, for he had recently completed a 
system of computing by which many great mathe- 
matical problems were more easily solved. He had 
demonstrated his ability while on a visit in India, 
40 


a trip that covered Mecca, Calcutta, and Baroda. 
where he sat among the brainiest men of the East, 
a few of these being the world’s greatest mathema- 
ticians. Intricate problems, those known and com- 
prehensible only to master minds, were astonishingly 
quick, yet correctly answered by him. The next de- 
partment visited was the school of Astronomy. 
Grouped about Elph, the instructor, were the youths 
of the city with their charts and instruments for 
calculating. Through an opening in the observatory 
wall, a portion which was also a part of the cliffs, 
one could gaze aloft through the crater at the stars 
above, but when the wind blew the smoke about, the 
heavens were completely hidden. 

But on this particular day a strange and unique 
thing happened, strange and unique because it was 
an incident that probably would never happen again 
in just such a manner. While Greystone was looking 
through a powerful obser^^ation glass, an areoplane 
flew across his line of vision. You can imagine first 
the surprise, exhilaration and yearning, then the 
slumping of spirit, disappointment and chagrin that 
naturally followed after the birdman passed from 
view. With a sigh he left the observatory and, with 
King Phara, went to the School of the Entered Ap- 
prentices. Here older youths of the city were as- 
sembled, and, under Gaome, the Past Master Mason, 
were lectured to and instructed in those things that 
constitute Masonry. Gaome was a tall stalwart and 
commanding sort of a person, and wore a jewel of 
dazzling brilliancy upon his breast. It constituted 
a gold wreath, bedecked with diamonds and other 
precious stones, which circled a gold Square and 
Compass attached to a Quadrant. It also had a gold 
41 


disc with extending rays that depicted the Sun. This 
was situated in the hollow of the Square. Gaome 
also wore an apron made of sheep-skin, and in the 
center of it was the Square and Compass and the 
letter ‘‘G”. Gold fringe was also attached to the 
border of the two hanging sides of the triangular 
piece, and its center contained a replica of the All- 
Seeing-Eye. The meeting at the Apprentice school 
was the first that afforded Greystone the pleasure 
of meeting Gaome. It took place about the time of 
adjournment of school. Consequently, they had time 
to enter upon quite a discussion of matters pertain- 
ing to instructions in the Apprentice Degree. 

It seems that while Greystone stood unobserved 
in the vestry before entering the Apprentice cham- 
ber, he overheard an error in the lecture and spoke 
of it. It had been known for generations that an 
error existed, but just where no one knew, and King 
Phara promptly considered it an opportune time to 
make necessary corrections. The error had come 
about and in some way handed down to succeeding 
generations by word of mouth. This must have 
happened as the works of Masonry are not recorded. 
However, when it was learned that Greystone would 
restore the missing parts of the lecture, the chamber 
filled rapidly and became packed with men of various 
rank and title. Where the men came from in such a 
short notice is rather baffling. They grouped around 
Greystone as he took the platform, and listened at- 
tentively while he lectured from the chart. In a 
moderate tone of voice, he started speaking about 
the Marble shaft, and in succession spoke of things 
concerning the Bee-hive, the Ark, the Pick and 
shovel, the Urn, the Sword on the Bible, the Sword 
42 


pointing to the Naked Heart, the Checkered squares 
with corners meeting on a triangle, and ended by 
talking about the Coffin and Lid and the tree that 
stood by it. The audience sat spell-bound, after 
Grey stone had concluded his remarks, many heads 
continued to nod in acquiescence to aU that he had 
said. 

The next place visited was the Clay grounds, 
and here it would require a volume merely to enum- 
erate the fine mouldings and works of clay. Such 
exquisite works of pottery and statuary, the world 
has never seen. Yet we must pause only to briefly 
describe this place. The Clay grounds expanded over 
a considerable stretch of territory, and numerous 
workmen were employed there. Each man, according 
to his craftsmanship, was busily engaged in applying 
his skill toward perfecting some article; either a 
work of art, or something for domestic utility. In 
one place men would be designing and moulding clay 
into various shapes of vessels, in another they would 
be engaged in adorning an amphora or a vase with 
mythological subjects, or perhaps preparing their 
various wares for the ovens. The huge bake-ovens, 
located here and there throughout the territory, were 
singular features worthy of mentioning because they 
were connected to the flue channels or outlets of the 
volcano from which all the necessary heat for baking 
and other purposes was obtained. 

Leaving the Clay grounds and returning to the 
terminal, King Phara and Greystone entered a tun- 
nel that was larger than any of the others. Huge 
ruts, cut deep into the bare rock from centuries 
grinding and wear of stone cart wheels, ran along 
its whole course. In days past it must have been a 
43 


highway for transporting heavy material. For some 
distance the course was straight, then it took a sweep- 
ing curve and terminated near a large marble quarry 
where approximately three hundred men were hew- 
ing, trimming ^.nd carving stone. The workmen 
used many queer and crude looking implements to 
handle the stones, which in many instances weighed 
several tons. Yet these huge massive blocks and 
columns were twirled and shifted about as if they 
were small blocks of wood. For a fow moments, 
Greystone watched some workmen polish and give 
the finishing touch to an image that resembled Thoth, 
the eagle-headed figure with a body like a man. Then 
King Phara led him through a short intersecting 
tunnel which connected a tunnel running parallel 
with the one to the quarry. Following this under- 
ground roadway and coming to a large and heavy 
bronze gate partially blocking the passageway. Grey- 
stone gazed upon two cherabims with outstretched 
wings. The cherubims stood on pedestals on each 
side of the roadway, and each held a hanging lamp 
containing burning incense. On the panels of the 
gate, strange figures were moulded and engraved. 
The weird aspect immediately conveyed its repre- 
sentation of the gate from this world to the next, 
through which all must pass, for just beyond laid 
the burying ground. 

Vault after vault stood, like silent sentinels, on 
each side of the roadway and formed an entrance to 
a large square enclosure containing nothing but 
human bones. This was the Temple of the Dead 
with side walls reaching a height of nearly two hun- 
dred feet. From the floor to the ceiling, the walls 
had tiers of built-in vaults which contained the pre- 
44 


served bones of as many as a hundred thousand 
people. Every five or six tiers, deck-balconies ran 
the full length and breadth of the wall, and was 
arranged to afl;ord easy access to any vault. The 
vaults were void of any mural design, and the ceiling 
was painted jet black. At intervals of about fifteen 
feet, gargoyles projected from the balconies with 
glass enclosed liquid in their hands which emitted 
a very dim light with a dull greenish hue. King 
Phara showed Greystone the tombs of his ancestors, 
and told him about the vaults along the roadway. 
They were simply receiving vaults where bodies were 
subjected to a chemical treatment which caused rapid 
decomposition of the flesh, but preserved and left 
the bones intact. The bones, after thorough disin- 
tergration has taken place, are removed from the 
sealed vaults and placed in the wall receptacles of 
the Temple of the Dead. Greystone also learned 
that the tessellated floor of this temple was tile that 
originally composed the flooring in King Solomon’s 
Temple. Here it had been assembled as near as pos- 
sible in conformity with its original design. Alters, 
Columns, candelabra, la vers, gold basins, tongs, pots, 
shovels, fleshhooks, and a cross occupied space here 
and there on the floor. Near the door, a large bronze 
tablet hung depicting an Egyptian burial ceremony. 
Beneath it stood a pole with a brass serpent on top. 
In this temple, amid these relics, the venerable re- 
mains of Masons awaited the end of time. 

In one of its many chambers, books that con- 
tained the geneology and history of each departed 
soul were kept. The history was written upon skin 
taken from the dead individuals back, and consisted 
of that portion covering the shoulder blade and ex- 
45 


tending to the waist line. The skin, being first 
treated by a process, was left transparent, and an 
indelible ink, composed of human blood and other 
preserving mixture, caused the writings which had 
been written hundreds of years before to show as 
plainly and fresh as those recently inscribed. A 
force of men, consisting of Mark Masters, Past 
Masters, Most Excellent Masters, Royal Arch Ma- 
sons, Royal Masters, Select Masters, and Super- 
Excellent Masters had charge of the books, and were 
kept classifying and producing records. 

Leaving the burying ground they visited a place 
where large bins were filled to capacity with wheat. 
Greystone looked at the bins and a puzzled expres- 
sion appeared upon his face for he could not fathom 
the mystery of how the wheat got there. But King 
Phara proceeded to vouchsafe the simplicity of it all 
as follows :- During the year a number of men, who 
are chosen for the purpose, go into the wheat field 
districts of Egypt to attend to the process of raising 
crops. At harvest time they gather and haul the 
required amount aboard a fleet of ships that ply 
along the banks of the Nile and shores of the Med- 
iteranean and Red Seas. It is then taken to an 
isolated, but marked spot where a telescope chute 
lies hidden in the water. The men grapple it and 
bring its water-tight top to the surface. The rest is 
very simple, the cargo is emptied into the chute that 
terminates at the bins. The surplus grain or other 
product, if there be any, is taken by the Sea Faring 
Men to the coastwise towns and villages and sold) 
and the money received from the sales generally 
pays for placing the ships in dock and the purchase 
of other essentials. The latter attended to, the men 
46 


join caravans, when they have the opportunity, and 
later separate themselves from those who are not of 
their sect and return to the Masonic City. 

They did not tarry long at the wheat bins, but 
soon came to a place where wine was made. A large 
force of men were employed here to tread the wme 
presses or in other ways assist in preparing the 
delicious beverage. The duties of a few consisted 
in placing the wine into new earthen receptacles. 
Numerous bins, here and there, were piled high and 
burdened with grapes which emitted a pleasant and 
intoxicating aroma. The arrangement and location 
of everything had been designed for effectiveness and 
convenience to produce the very best results. Wine 
was the chief tribal drink in the Masonic City, and 
was used at feast days, celebrations, weddings, and 
state affairs. In many instances the city furnished 
it in allotted quantities, or gave it according to the 
requirements of the event, so that all might have 
plenty. There were, however, certain restrictions 
for those who were inclined to excessively partake 
of the gratifying beverage. 

From the wine-making district they returned to 
the city proper. At the pavilion they drank from 
the fountain and were greatly refreshed. Winding 
their way through a few principal streets, they came 
to a handsome and imposing structure with Egyptian 
sphinxs along its stairway. Embedded in the center 
of the pediment at the main cupola entrance, an 
emblem, made up of five different brilliant colored 
diamond-shaped stones, formed a perfect five-pointed 
star. Blue, Yellow, White, Green and Red were the 
colors of the stones. On the balustrade around the 
edge of the building’s flat roof, nude and partially 
47 


draped figures of women stood in various poses upon 
square-base pedestals. Its beautiful columns, its 
grotesque sculpture, its graceful lines and boldness 
of design might be termed the master-stroke in 
architecture. While an effort has been made to 
briefly describe the exterior, it is a greater task to 
find words to fully render justice to the harmonious 
and greatly enhanced beauty of the interior. Aside 
from the rich and elaborate furnishings of tapestry, 
curtains, carpets, pictures, altars, and mystic em- 
blems, it was a creation of beauty within itself. This 
magnificent building had been erected and dedicated 
to the exclusive use of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
When King Phara and Greystone arrived, the women 
were holding a convention. Every four years it 
convened, and Queen Amidine, the Supreme Grand 
Worthy Matron, who presided usually chose this 
particular time to confer honors and titles upon her 
subjects. Of particular interest was a woman who 
entered the lowest grade of the Order, and in a short 
space of time obtained the highest office with the ex- 
ception of that of being Queen. Her name was 
Arsenath. She was the wife of depth, the Chief 
Captain of Caravan Patrols, and a more beautiful 
woman was impossible to find. She had married 
depth simply for the fact that she had deemed him to 
be a valuable acquisition to help her gain power and 
influence. A nuumber of years before, depth, then 
a subordinate officer, had been publicly acclaimed 
on account of some wonderful heroic feat in battle 
and promoted to the office of Chief -in-Command of 
Caravan Patrols. Arsenath thought that his sudden 
rise to high command and prominence would make 
him arrogant and tyrannical toward others, yet 
48 


would remain, as hitherto, subjugated to her will. 
But Jepth measured up to the trust and confidence 
placed in him, and it was a keen source of disap- 
pointment to Arsenath to learn that she could not 
coerce him to do things according to her biddings. 

At the strange spectre Arsenath first saw Grey- 
stone, and he then created a profound impression 
upon her which thereafter left no desire to be re- 
linquished. After she met him, she secretly regarded 
him as a prince for he seemed to possess those qual- 
ities lacking in men of her own nationality. She 
became interested in most everything he did, and his 
great height, good looks, personality, style and hu- 
mor helped to form the setting for the drama soon 
to follow. Barely had he and Naomi got accustomed 
to their surroundings ere he was engaged by iVr- 
senath to teach her his Native tongue. Greystone 
found his pupil to be charming, and apparently 
possessed of all those qualities which go together to 
make lovingness. She appeared to be an ideal re- 
alization who observed the simple rules of good 
conduct, and was a loved and devoted wife. She 
was an apt scholar and soon mastered the English 
language. From time to time and in various ways, 
she expressed her gratitude and bestowed upon both, 
Greystone and Naomi, many favors. Many of these 
little acts of gratitude were regarded by Greystone 
as trifling coquetry attributed to members of the 
feminine sex. Her husband, whose duties required 
him to be away a greater part of the time and which 
left Arsenath very much to her own inclination, re- 
garded the friendship of Greystone and Naomi in 
no degree different from that of any other person of 
his association. Daily Arsenath sought Naomi’s 
49 


companionship, and the attitude displayed toward 
our heroine showed nothing but pure friendship. 
Probably you can see how sagacious woman was 
able to conceal her ultimate desire which, if known 
to Greystone and Naomi, would have made our 
hero and heroine alert to the imminent danger. But 
little did either dream that love had entered Ar- 
senath’s heart, causing her to love Greystone with 
a passion that is hard to define, but such that she 
fairly worshipped the very ground he trod. Prob- 
ably the writer has advanced too rapidly in outlining 
events. Therefore, it will be necessary to immed- 
iately return to the paragraph which mentions a 
convention of the Order of the Eastern Star, then 
briefly lead up to the incidents mentioned. 

At the convention. Queen Amidine conferred 
many honors and titles ; but by centering the honor 
upon Naomi of making her Supreme Grand Worthy 
Counselor And Advisor To Her Majesty The Queen, 
she evidently introduced the straw that broke the 
camePs back. Arsenath, in consequence thereof, be- 
came a very dissatisfied woman and her affection for 
Naomi was immediately turned to intense hate. 
Arsenath had been dissatisfied with a host of things 
for a long time. Previous to the arrival of Grey- 
stone and Naomi, no restrictive agency had stood in 
the way of her ambition or hindered her from at- 
taining her ideals. But of late she felt that Naomi 
had come into too great favor among her people. 
She had witnessed Naomi ^s rise to prominence and 
influence, in fact she had helped her to advance. 
Slowly Naomi won the hearts of the people until she 
50 


was no longer regarded as a stranger among them, 
but instead was referred to as “The God^s Favor- 
ite”. Difference of nationality was of small con- 
sequence to the majority, because her services to the 
community outweighed prejudices, yet it created 
grievances among a few. Consequently when Naomi 
was honored with an appointment, carrying with it 
a position of influence, prestige and power equally 
as great as that of Arsenath, and the latter could not 
interfere, it caused untold agony which cut deep into 
her soul and made her furious, and the bitterness 
within was next to murder itself. 

As recorded, the Eastern Star was in session 
when King Phara and Greystone arrived. King 
Phara deemed it advisable to enter unheralded. What 
prompted him to enter the building in this manner 
is a mystery. The women were so absorbed in the 
affairs of the meeting that he and Greystone pro- 
cured an obscure nook so situated as to view the 
gathering without being seen. Shortly after enter- 
ing this recess. King Phara sensed something wrong, 
and congratulated himself for hot divulging his 
presence. Soon he beheld that which in some way 
had directed his footsteps here so that he might wit- 
ness it. During the customary ceremony attending 
the announcement of the newly elected and ap- 
pointed, King Phara heard the announcement of the 
newly created office for Naomi. He was looking 
over the assembly at the time and caught a glimpse 
of the expression on Arsenath ’s face. It was only 
of a moments duration, but in that brief space, wrath, 
malignity, abhorrence and hate were plainly 
stamped] The next instant she was all smiles, and 
he saw her extend her hands and offer Naomi every 
51 


desirable success in her new office. As far as known 
he was the only person who saw the casting of the 
evil look. Her colleagues did not see it for other- 
wise they would have mentioned it. But in having 
such a personage as the Potentate for a witness, our 
hero and heroine might indeed be adjudged fortun- 
ate. For some reason he could not forget it. It 
constantly haunted him and conveyed some forebod- 
ing of future revenge. The matter was never men- 
tioned to a living soul; yet to see Arsenath as she 
stood, merrily chattering with Naomi and others, 
with not a sign of anything other than good will, 
failed to convince King Phara that her heart was in 
accord with her facial expression. Even after Naomi 
took up the duties of her new office, Arsenath was 
no less obliging and eager to perform any duty 
assigned. If any body had intimated that Arsen- 
ath ^s friendship was false, and that she was simply 
operating in hawk-like fashion to strike when the 
psychological moment presented itself, such would 
have been regarded as extreme absurdity and Grey- 
stone and Naomi would have resented it. 

A number of months rolled by; but during the 
week the city celebrated its annual Thanksgiving, 
opportunity played favorably in Arsenath ’s hands. 
The city in all its gala array and trimmings had 
become a play gound and showed an enhanced splen- 
dor beyond the expectation of one’s dreams. Dig- 
nitaries and plain citizens jostled each other in jub- 
ilant spirit as they promenaded through the crowded 
streets. At the King’s Palace, life was one thrilling 
event after another. The dancers, funmakers, min- 
strels, and musicians had full sway. The gorgeous 
scenes, gaiety and exhilaration kept one in a state 
52 


of enchantment. Late in the evening, Greystone got 
tired and headed for an exterior balcony in search 
of quietness and solitude. He strolled through an 
alcove or vestibule-like conservatory filled with 
palms and was passing through the outer portals 
when he became somewhat annoyed by the feeling 
of somebody clinging to his arm. Turning his head 
slightly, he beheld Arsenath and was carried away 
by her beauty. It was their first, meeting of the 
evening, and there she stood, bedecked with dazzling 
jewels, and clad in the most exquisite and gorgeous 
attires ever created; a gown, a perfect success, which 
decidedly accomplished the art in draping her beau- 
tiful figure rather than obliterating it; a gown of 
form and grace, not indecent, but one which would 
appeal to the fair-minded as an ideal for a Grecian 
Goddess. Tiredness, or whatever ailment possessed 
Greystone, soon subsided after reaching the balcony 
for he was soon engulfed in the pleasant and sooth- 
ing quiet of the surrounding. It was undoubtedly 
an indubitible pleasure to be dominated by the sub- 
lime suavity of manner and conversation of a beau- 
tiful woman who was capable of leading one through 
many phases of feeling. And while their conver- 
sation covered subjects of intellectual brilliancy, the 
conditions and surroundings conspired wonderfully 
to form a setting for intermingling flattering, sen- 
timentality, and coquetry. Little by little the atmos- 
phere made Greystone sensitive to a feeling that the 
woman at his side was endeavoring to divulge the 
contents of her soul with the expectation of receiving 
a like response. The revelation was like a thunder- 
bolt from a clear sky, and temporarily deprived him 
of faculties of what to do or say. He tried to get 
53 


her to change the subject, but failed miserably. He 
tried reasoning and arguments concerning the fool- 
hardiness of her maddening and passionate views, 
and finally resorted to racking his brains for some 
pretence or other to get away. But Arsenath per- 
ceiving his intentions, assumed an attitude of equiv- 
ocal joviality to confute and allay any previous con- 
ception. As a subterfuge it served wonderfullj^ 
because Grey stone thought he had acted too hastily 
in his conclusion as no signs of sincerity remained. 
Also to allay the embarrassment of an abrupt exit 
which would be awkward courtesy, he lingered and 
waited in hope of some favorable means by which 
to be rescued. Meanwhile he tried to appear uncon- 
cerned and to enter into the same spirit shown by 
Arsenath, but he was not very expert in this line and 
things were done in a bungling manner. 

Arsenath surmised what his intentions were, and 
to keep from being outwitted, she secretly summoned 
a trusted servant and had him bring a certain bev- 
erage. She took one glass and induced Greystone 
to take the other, and the sparkling contents of 
both disappeared. 


54 


PART FOUR 


It was during the wee hours of the morning, 
yet the throngs on the thoroughfares appeared not 
to have diminished but, if anything, had become 
more hilarious and boistrous. A number had reached 
the stage where they did not bother much about the 
doings of others, for they had completely surren- 
dered to the joviality of the occasion. But there 
was one among that vast sea of faces, a servant 
girl in Naomi ^s house, who saw two of Arsenath^s 
servants assisting a man whose means of propulsion 
had about ceased to perform their function. The 
attendants conducted the figure in a manner seem- 
ingly above suspicion, yet the girl thought they 
endeavored to avoid particular scrutiny and her in- 
stinct sensed some mischief abroad. She could not 
convince herself that these men were altogether act- 
ing in good faith by playing Good Samaritan, and 
then there was something about the intoxicated 
figure which seemed familiar. She was about to 
direct her attention to other things when the man’s 
55 


turban shifted and the damsel caught a glimpse of 
his face. Shocked, surprised^ and incensed with 
every imagination, she thereafter watched their 
movements like a cat watches a mouse. The men 
chose the side streets, and the girl saw them enter 
the house of the eminent Arsenath and close the 
doors behind them. 

Probably there is no need of amplifying how 
fleet of foot this girl was, as she lightning-like sped 
through the streets, or how she rushed into the 
house and nearly breathless told Naomi all she saw. 
Naomi was obliged to listen to the child ^s story, 
but believed it all to be a case of mistaken identity. 
But the girl remained staunch in her assertion and 
Naomi became very much concerned. It was not that 
she entertained any mistrust, or thought that any 
misfortune had befallen her husband, but mainly to 
disprove the theory of the servant and to suppress 
the further spreading of this infamous lie was why 
our heroine went to Arsenath ’s house at the dead 
hour of the night. Owing to the close relationship 
and intimacy between them, Naomi did not bother 
to knock, but entered and went direct to Arsenath ’s 
chamber. 

Entering the vestibule adjacent to Arsenath ^s 
chamber, Naomi parted the portiers, and then she 
saw something that nearly stagnated the blood in 
her veins. There in plain view was the dormant 
body of Greystone lying on a bed, and bending over 
him was the form of Arsenath with lips close to his, 
and lost in profound ecstacy in expressing her love. 
She appeared to be excercising all of her facetious 
charms and graces, even sex, in an effort to revive 
and awaken, if only for a moment, a single spark of 
56 


affection in him. She was like unto one gone mad 
with her passionate pleading. Naomi felt like swoon- 
ing and made an effort to stave it off. In doing so 
she made noise enough to cause Arsenath to turn 
and suddenly jump to her feet. And then — well, it 
is impossible for the author to command words to 
fully describe the anguish and thoughts, or what- 
ever else these two women entertained as they glar- 
ingly confronted each other. One, exhibiting the 
emotions of a captured thief, acted awkward, sneer- 
sarcastic and dangerous; the other, hyster- 
ically turbulent, frantic and weak, gazed in a dazed 
yet loathsome manner and hoped the affair to be a 
terrible nightmare while the former cursed the fates 
that frustrated her plans. Naomi eventually de- 
manded an explanation. It seemed to break the 
tension, for Arsenath advanced upon her in a men- 
acing and ferocious manner. She described Naomi 
in insulting terms to be everything other than a 
lady. She made threats, and scornfully laughed at 
and vehemently ridiculed those things held sacred 
and holy. She regarded the prescribed standard of 
living as false and pretentious, and openly confessed 
her infatuation for the man lying there helpless, and 
a deluge of other threats and abuse she heaped upon 
Naomi. 

But Naomi slowly became convinced that Ar- 
seneth had no intention of doing half the things 
she threatened to do, and so she retorted in a manner 
which expressed also her sincerity of purpose. Her 
remarks caused Arsenath to flinch and recoil and 
show great fear. She looked around as if to seek an 
avenue by which to escape, then suddenly and des- 
perately she demonstrated that she was not to be 
57 


outdone. Reaching into the folds of her garment, 
she drew a dagger and dashed to the bed and held 
the weapon menacingly above Greystone’s heart. 
Then Naomi prostrated herself at Arsenath’s feet 
because she believed the woman intended to keep 
her word. She pleaded for her husband’s life, but 
Arsenath scornfully laughed aloud. It was a mock- 
ing laugh, and she knew she had her heart’s enemy 
at her mercy. 

But alas, what was done to cause her to turn 
deathly pale, to let the dagger go clattering to the 
floor, and to simultaneously clasp her forehead and 
breast to stave otf the symptoms of a swoon? How 
long had that gigantic figure stood in the doorway 
listening and witnessing the scene? Why this man 
should be with his patrols. At this moment he should 
be far out on the desert and not return for a month 
or more. Why was he here? But see his face, how 
terrible it is to behold! It appears to possess the 
lines of a wounded but ferocious savage. 

‘ ‘ 0, ye Fates ! How beit that thou alloweth 
thy hand to be so unmerciful as to toss one 
about like timber upon crests of waves!” 

Briefly, let us give the cause of depth’s early 
return,, its effect has partially been mentioned, and 
in the writer’s judgement it was all destined to 
happen. It is true depth had come home unexpect- 
edly, and we are led to believe that Fate had a hand 
in the arrangement. He had successfully led his 
caravan into the town of Sana from Mecca and de- 
livered a consignment of merchandise. In return 
he had obtained a very rich consignment for de- 
58 


livery at Maskat. The route of the latter led across 
the Desert of Roba-El-IOiali. Prom Maskat the men 
were to recross the Desert of Roba-El-Khali and 
proceed to their homes by way of Medina, Akabah, 
and thence to Cairo. Here the caravan would dis- 
band. But before leaving Sana, depth got word that 
a large and powerful band of outlaws were hovering 
nearby to attack him as soon as he got well out on 
the desert. Finding himself in a very precarious 
situation by not having a sufficient force to combat 
the superior number, outnumbering his own three 
to one, he set out alone to obtain reinforcement. 

It is not too much to suppose, however, that a 
man of his caliber would not snatch a few moments 
at home especially when the occasion permitted it. 
Therefore, from the foregoing, you can see that 
depth’s home-coming was reasonable. He knew his 
wife would be surprised, in fact he wanted her to 
be. He, though a warrior, was also a man of gallant 
and romantic ways, and, among his personal equip- 
ments, he brought a beautiful pearl necklace to 
grace and adorn the figure of the one he loved. Wish- 
ing the surprise to be complete, he did not announce 
himself but immediately proceeded to the chamber 
in which his wife slept. Upon reaching the door- 
wa}’', he was surprised to hear the hysterical and 
vehement voices of two females and he wondered 
why the tranquillity of the night should be disturbed. 
As the squabbling became somewhat comprehensible, 
there slowly crept into his heart a grave misgiving. 
It caused him to yield to the impulse to pull aside 
the portiers, and he saw his wife with the dagger 
held at arm’s length over the sleeping form of a 
man. He heard her threaten to sever the heart- 
59 


strings of the victim and send his soul into eternity. 
He saw the penitent form of a woman kneeling at 
Arsenath’s feet, and heard the pitiful prayer be- 
seeching her to spare the victim ^s life. It is no 
difficult matter to formulate the erroneous con- 
ception of affairs according to the perspective pre- 
sented to depth and the limited time taken for de- 
duction. 

Thoroughly enraged, depth threw the pearls 
on the floor and crushed them beneath his feet. It 
was this outburst of passion which caused Arsenath 
to look up, and then to become as if transformed into 
a molten image, depth advanced like one in a daze, 
and Arsenath cringed and slunk to the protection of 
the walls, but he appeared to ignore her entirely. 
His eyes were focused upon that motionless thing 
or figure on the bed. He continued to stare after 
he reached the bedside, and then, suddenly, he drew 
his sword to stab the occupant and would have done 
so had not Naomi, quicker than a flash, grabbed the 
dagger that laid on the floor and, with every ounce 
of strength, drove its prying edges deep into his 
back. The horror stricken and terrifying shriek of 
Arsenath, as she swooned and collapsed in a heap, 
apparently helped to resuscitate Greystone. Signs 
of life appeared very remote and intermittant at 
first, but gradually became very acute and clear 
afterwards. He acted as if he was fighting some 
demon that had him pinned to the ground. Event- 
ually he sat up and brought his hand across 
his forehead to brush away the mist before his 
aching eyes. Naomi, though partially in a stupor, 
had watched him in silence at his bedside, and now, 
as the strain was more than she could bear, she 
60 


screamed and fell prostrated across his body. The 
scream and sudden weight across his body helped 
to further revive him. He tried to steady his 
thoughts, but the power of concentration was lost. 
His eyes settled on something moving on the floor 
which finally took shape of a woman laboring to 
disentangle her garments so as to be able to rise. 
There was also something about the woman that 
seemed strangely familiar to him, and, after dis- 
cerning the woman to be no other than Arsenath, 
a host of questions sped through his mind at a rate 
that was impossible to think out a response to their 
inquiry. He recognized the prostrated figure lying 
across his limbs, it was his beloved wife. He saw 
another figure lying motionless near his bed, and it 
looked like the body of a man. 

Bewildered, and at a total loss to account for 
the things he saw, yet comprehending some sort of 
tragedy had taken place, he involuntarily exclaimed 
questions which might shed light to his bemuddled 
brain, but no response to his inquiry came forth. 
‘‘Surely,’^ thought Grey stone, ^‘this must all be a 
terrible nightmare Again and again he tried to 
collect his thoughts and arrange them in order, but 
his memory carried him no further than drinking a 
glass of wine. 

Finally the strain on his befogged mind caused 
him to break out in a passionate frenzy, and he 
roughly drew the body of his wife to his bosom. He 
frantically implored her to speak. She opened her 
eyes and they sought his and positively conveyed, 
though no words were spoken, an understanding of 
everything. He was satisfied, for it was enough to see 
in her eyes the token of faith and confidence in which 
61 


he would then and there have willingly joined her 
in death should it have called. But death did not 
appear. Indeed not ! Naomi simply had sunk again 
into the blackness of unconsciousness. Her greatest 
fear had safely passed the danger point, therefore 
she submitted, seemingly purposely, to unconscious- 
ness full of specterlike dreams and their tormenting 
hauntings. 

A few hours later she revived. Now that her 
husband was alive, nothing else must she do than to 
entwine her arms about his neck and weep. Inter- 
mingling with this came the overwhelming desire to 
talk. Naomi felt that she had volumes to tell and, 
of course, she yielded to the inclination. But anx- 
ious as Greystone was to hear her story he thought 
it best, after several futile attempts to get an under- 
standing from her wild and disjointed remarks, for 
both to pause to regain self-control. But before 
they got an opportunity to speak a word of enlight- 
ment Arsenath revived from insensibility. She 
stood up, and then she saw Naomi entwined in 
Greystone ’s arms. For a few moments she stared 
with fierce, piercing eyes and then summoned her 
servants to bear testimony that Naomi murdered 
depth. The servants immediately called a guard 
and instructed him to arrest our heroine. But the 
very moment the guard placed his hands on Naomi, 
Greystone, like a tiger, sprang from the bed and 
planted a blow on the point of the fellow’s chin with 
such force that it killed him instantly. There is no 
necessity for presenting you with a long account of 
the confusion which followed. This is left to your 
imagination. Let it suffice to know that during the 
excitement, Greystone and Naomi fled to the palace. 

62 


The news, like fiery flames, quickly spread over 
the whole city. Never, in all its history, had any- 
thing created such a turmoil and social upheaval. 
This was due to the fact that many people refused 
to condemn or censure Greystone and Naomi for any 
part they may have had in the tragedy, and simply 
maintained their asssertions, though they knew noth- 
ing about that which had caused the killing, that the 
deeds could not have been perpetrated without their 
justifiable motive. Such was the demonstration of 
true friendship by these people. But there were 
others, a vast number of loquacious persons, who, 
being only too glad of the opportunity to show their 
dislike and prejudice, added their own nefarious 
opinion and imaginary observations which resulted 
in numerous street brawls and pugilistic encounters. 
On one particular street a small sized riot was in 
fair progress, and the guards had quite a little to do 
to allay it. 

After our hero and heroine had fled from the 
immediate scenes of disastrous happenings and told 
their story to the King and Queen, these exalted 
ones became very much perturbed both in soul and 
body. King Phara knew that Arsenath was the 
evil genius through which the misfortune occurred 
but his position required the obligation of recog- 
nizing the order of proceedure of subordinate auth- 
orities. To expedite matters, he urged the body 
which constituted the Court of Inquiry to make a 
thorough investigation, and it might be said that 
he offered a few suggestions as to how the invest- 
igation should be conducted. Therefore, as you 
have probably anticipated, the Court of Inquiry’s 
decision concluded that Arsenath was the party at 
63 


fault. Her conduct was the cause of all that hap- 
pened, for the court ruled that the part assumed by 
Grey stone and Naomi was only the outcome and 
results of another personal unfaithfulness. In ad- 
dition, though public feeling in some quarters ap- 
peared to reach the boiling point, the court recom- 
mended that the whole case be regarded in no other 
light than a sad and unfortunate event. In con- 
junction with this decision. King Phara issued a 
decree stating that all courtesy and privileges pre- 
scribed for a 30 Degree Mason and an Exalted Mem- 
ber of the Eastern Star would continue to be ex- 
tended and accorded Greystone and Naomi, and for 
those who failed to adhere to this ruling he attached 
a penalty. 

One thing that might just as well be mentioned 
now is, should necessity have demanded the Court 
of Inquiry to render a different decision, one which 
would have convicted instead of exonerated, then 
there would have been a precedent in the history of 
the Masonic City, for subsequent generations to read, 
telling whereof a beloved Potentate contemptuously 
interfered once with the procedure of the judiciary 
courts. Even if a person was convicted of a deed 
known to have been premeditated, said person need 
have no fear of suffering jeopardy of life or limb, 
because it was traditionally maintained that a Mason 
had no right to pronounce such a penalty upon a 
brother simply because he happened to hold a jud- 
iciary position. But would one care to live a branded 
life in a place like the Masonic City; a life with an 
indelible mark of infamy attached to his name; a 
social outcast and an exile by ostracism? No. Death 
would seem better, a more perfect obliteration. 

64 


Therefore, as you now know that events did not work 
out in just the manner Arsenath planned, you are 
interested in the final outcome. But first, an attempt 
shall be made to briefly describe the impressive and 
stately funeral of the two victims of the tragedy, 
Jepth, the Chief of Caravan Patrols, and Klaun, the 
Head of the Inner Guard. Jepth, as you have 
learned, was a favorite among his people. No less, 
in a sense, was Klaun ’s esteemed standing, for he 
was a Noble and a chronological descendant of a 
Noble who was slain at Riblah, and his untimely 
death could not have been more keenly felt or 
mourned. It seemed to arouse a feeling that time 
alone would erase. From a place of advantage in 
the street, one might have noted the demonstration 
of affection for the deceased and heard the glowing 
tributes, and, by degrees, would have been greatly 
impressed with the showing made by the Arab Pa- 
trols at the head of the procession and the mass 
formation of dignitaries of all ranks, wearing their 
full regalia, following in close succession. To have 
seen the funeral biers come in sight with its occu- 
pants outlined through the handsome shrouds that 
nearly touched the ground; to have observed the 
solemnity of it all, a strange and uncanny spectacle 
produced through the hazy vision of those who held 
torches seemingly to light the way, and of those who 
prostrated themselves along the route as the biers, 
borne upon the shoulders of men, approached. 

But to see Arsenath, after all had passed, slip 
from among the crowd climb upon a wall, throw 
aside her mantle, utter a few unintelligible remarks, 
and then, before any person could perceive her in- 
tention, witness her stretch forth her hands and 
65 


cast herself headlong into the unfathomed pit ad- 
jacent to the roadway. This act was apparently the 
climax of the day because, when the actual signifi- 
cance of it manifested itself to the people, a wailing 
groan arose and ascended high like the pitch of a 
volcanic eruption. It seemed to rend the rocks 
around and about, and then all became quiet. Her 
maid, however, ventured to look down the ghastly 
chasm, but failed to even catch a glimpse of her 
mistress. 

This chasm or pit apparantly was bottomless 
as every means had been exhausted in trying to ex- 
plore and fathom its depth. In centuries past, 
when superstition surpassed enlightenment, the pit 
was used in religious observations. A custom pre- 
vailed which constituted the practice of choosing a 
maiden and then offering her as a living sacrifice to 
the god whom they thought inhabited the regions 
below. A girl, thus chosen, considered herself in- 
deed fortunate and favored considerably more than 
any other girl, and nearly every mother’s daughter 
sought this honor. She was taught to believe that 
she would be a favorite wife, and, by her charms 
and graces, would be able to appease his anger. If 
the maiden was not offered for some displeasure the 
people felt they had caused, then she would be 
offered as a grateful acknowledgement for some past 
blessing. But as time went on this practice, together 
with its tradition, became obsolete. Probably they 
concluded that the god was a bit too greedy and 
had enough wives added to his harem. However, 
only the legend remained. 


66 


It was during the wee hours of the following 
morning that Grey stone and Naomi were startled 
from their restless slumber by King Phara who be- 
seechingly sought admittance to their room. After 
being admitted and having allayed their fears, he 
told them the object of his visit. Lines of deep 
emotion showed plainly on his face, and then tears 
started streaming down his cheeks. First, he ad- 
dressed them as brother and sister and gratefully 
acknowledged his appreciation of the enlightenment, 
the good, and the helpfulness our hero and heroine 
had been the means of giving and inspiring during 
their habitation of the Masonic City, and then he 
recited the concurrence of events and told of the 
blood-tie and esteemed regard held for the deceased 
brethern which, owing to the nature of their death, 
seemingly had darkened the sky and caused a pall 
like veil to descend upon the people. He continued 
his discourse by telling that an opportunity had 
that very night so favored that both might make 
their departure from the city, and remarked that 
he, along with a host of his subjects, would mourn, 
but the memory of their deeds would be an incentive 
to him and others to seek the superlative degree of 
perfection. To leave would be considered primarily 
an advantage for the good of the city, and an aid 
toward restoring domestic tranquillity. To remain 
would mean to serve as a reminder of the past and 
suffer humiliation and annoyances. He finished his 
discourse and bade them make ready to depart. 
Greystone and Naomi became enthused over the 
prospects of leaving. They feared the possibility 
of detection in trying to obtain some article or trin- 
ket, and concluded that as they had entered the 
67 


Masonic City empty handed, they could leave it in 
just the same manner, for the risk possibly would 
mean a lost opportunity to escape. Therefore, they 
informed His Majesty that they were ready to leave 
at the word of command. 

Leaving the chamber and passing down a dimly 
lighted corridor having numerous mural designs and 
figures in bold relief along its walls, and coming to 
a section that intercepted it at right angle. King 
Phara stopped. Then taking a fleeting glance down 
the corridor to make sure he was not being watched, 
he signaled our hero and heroine to follow. They 
followed and came to a set of steps leading to a 
lower section or passageway. At the foot of these 
steps an arch formed an entrance to the passageway. 
It had a door, apparently there to guard the en- 
trance, but it stood ajar. But King Phara did not 
use the door or pass under the arch. He stopped 
and placed his hands on that portion of the wall, 
being a part of the arch which faced the steps, and 
amazed both Grey stone and Naomi by opening a 
cleverly concealed door. It amazed Grey stone far 
more than it did his wife, for he had traversed 
those corridors time and time again and had never 
suspicioned that the walls of the arch contained a 
secret. The Door, of course, worked similar to 
those mentioned elsewhere in this story, and opened 
into a passageway which ran in an oblique direction 
to the main corridor. King Phara next drew two 
handsome gold pins of emblematic design from 
among the folds of his garment and fastened them 
upon the bosoms of our friends. Each pin contained 
the emblem of the Order to which our hero and hero- 
ine respectively belong. He then gave each a hearty 
68 


embrace, assisted them through the aperture, and, 
with a parting clasp of the hand, hade them God- 
speed. 

The door closed and all was darkness; but with 
an object in view they journeyed forth. They fol- 
lowed the passageway for hours and then suddenly 
it took a dip. Naomi screamed, and Greystone, 
while tightly clasping her around the waist, frantic- 
ally grappled with his free hand for some means to 
check their rapid descent. But no means were avail- 
able, and they were precipitated into a madly dashing 
river of great depth. They came to the surface, but 
were whisked along with the current like match 
stems. They fought bravely to keep their heads 
from becoming submerged beneath the torrent, and 
had to fight equally as hard to keep their heads from 
coming in contact with the rugged projecting stones 
protruding from the ceiling, for this under ground 
body of water nearly filled the culvert through which 
it ran. Only through the providence of God and the 
exercising of great presence of mind were they able 
to keep from becoming battered and bruised, and 
probably beaten to a pulp against those rocks. But 
the strain began to have its effect, and Naomi soon 
became a lifeless burden in her husband ^s arm while 
he, too, felt that he must soon give up. At one 
particular spot it was necessary to submerge to keep 
from coming in contact with the ceiling which 
abruptly decimated, and for a long distance the 
undercurrent held them firmly in its grasp. It seemed 
useless to fight against it, and Greystone was about 
to give up when he felt himself rising. He came to 
the surface like a torpedo shot from a tube and 
69 


caught a glimpse of God^s free sunlight, but nothing 
more because exhaustion caused oblivion. 


70 


PART FIVE 


The large ocean steamer had just nicely cleared 
from the smaller crafts that dotted the water along 
the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, and was neatly 
threading its way along the path frequented by 
ocean giants that leads to the vast Atlantic Ocean. 
The passengers had settled down to the hospitable 
and luxurious accomodation. The day was ideal, 
and the sea was perfectly calm, being slightly above 
a ripple. Only now and then a whitecap would 
appear and roll off with a swashing sound. Seagulls 
dotted the water or rose in a body on finding them- 
selves in the path of the liner. Now and then one 
would circle the boat, and, in a wide soaring grace- 
ful manner, would pounce to the water and seize a 
fish, then, with it tightly clinched in its talons, 
would rise and fly to the towering cliffs, there to 
partake of its dainty morsel with its young. 

The low, heavy, dronelike sound of the ship’s 
fog whistle intermingling at intervals with the signal 
gong; the clear silver tone of the orchestra; even 
71 


the tinkling sound of the buoy bell blended in perfect 
harmony as it appeared to float away and eventually 
was lost to sight in the distant sparkling and glit- 
tering water; lent to the whole a sense that one 
would be content to go on and on, and forever 
drift amidst just such happy irresponsibilities. 

While passengers were watching the hazy and 
fast fading shore line, deep in reveries and fancies, 
a voice of alarm, high above the reverberating and 
pulsating rythm of the engines, trumpeted from 
the crow’s nest and sounded ^‘Man Overboard.” The 
fantastical and syncopated tune, floating from the 
ball room, stopped suddenly. Sharp commands 
followed, the engines were reversed, and finally the 
great ship was brought to a standstill. A small boat 
was lowered, and in a jiffy was off to the spot in- 
dicated by the lookout. Spectators on the ship fol- 
lowed the course of the small boat and soon saw a 
dripping bundle hauled over its side. Those on deck, 
who fortunately possessed binocles, made out the 
mass to be that of a man with a woman tightly 
clasped in his arms. Then the boat returned to the 
ship and was hauled safely aboard. The bodies 
were disentangled and stretched upon the deck, 
and pulmotors were brought into play, also other 
means of resuscitation were resorted to because, 
when the bodies were taken from the water, the 
ship ’s M. D. detected faint signs of life. 

It seemed like eternity before those who stood 
about could see the faintest indication that life really 
existed, even then it could only be detected in the 
woman. Apparently they could do the man no good, 
though the attendants continued to carry out the 
physician’s instruction to never cease in their labor, 
72 


they also unconsciously shook their heads in dis- 
may. But after a while signs that gratified their 
efforts were detected. The tiny spark of life became 
very active and everybody rejoiced, then it fiuttered 
and all but ebbed away and then, with tantalizing 
slowness, it rallied again. The woman rallied under 
the treatment more rapidly, and it became safe to 
move her to more comfortable quarters below deck. 
Here she revived and let their identity be known. 
Needless to say that revelation was a surprise to 
all, for the news of the vast fortune our hero and 
heroine’s parents had spent in outfitting searching 
parties had been heralded broadcast and was no 
secret. When the man became sufficiently able to 
substantiate all that which the woman had said, a 
world record was made by the wireless operator in 
dispatching the news. Then of course, ship after 
ship picked up the message and relayed to the next 
with no less vigor and zeal than the one first men- 
tioned. 

The occasion gave rise for considerable rejoi- 
cing aboard the ship. One lady, who desired her 
name to be withheld from publicity and whose act 
originated from a most generous motive prompted 
by the desire to do something, as she termed, worthy 
of a prince, donated her spacious suite of rooms to 
Naomi and Grey stone. Therefore, as soon as Grey- 
stone and Naomi got well enough to be moved about, 
they were transferred from the meagre quarters 
first assigned. Once upon the road to recovery, 
they rapidly came into their own, but the first two 
or three days were days filled with anxiety for those 
who watched at their bedsides and battled with a 
threatening fever. After the danger passed and 
73 


both were able to be about, passengers gathered 
around and heard the strange yet interesting story 
of the Masonic City, and to the end of the voyage 
they were daily the center of a wide-eyed enthus- 
iastic crowd eager to hear the whole account of 
their travel. 

It was near the middle of June when land was 
sighted, and a few days later the ship docked at 
Hoboken. But we must mention the never-to-be- 
forgotten morning when our hero and heroine cast 
eyes upon that superb and stately colossal figure, 
the Goddess of Liberty, who holds a torch at Amer- 
icans gateway. Anxious as they were to meet loved 
ones and to be again sheltered under the roof of 
home, this particular morning, as the ship majest- 
ically entered the harbor with the Colors lowered in 
conformity to a salute and the band played that 
melodious air. The Star Spangled Banner, home, in- 
deed, had a greater meaning for it meant the whole 
of God^s Country, — America. 

Probably their patriotic feeling was enhanced 
on account of long absence, because four long years 
had passed since that memorable date of starting 
down the bay on their honeymoon. But now that our 
hero and heroine have reached home, there is no 
necessity for burdening you with a long account 
telling how the town folks turned out with the band 
in celebrating the home-coming, of the family re- 
union, of the welcome and rejoicing, and so on, 
because this can be left to the imagination. Yet it 
does not seem hardly fair to eliminate the entire 
incidents and surprises, therefore we record the fol- 
lowing. After greeting friends who were lined up 
on both sides of the path leading to the house, Grey- 
74 


stone, upon reaching the threshold, grabbed his 
mother and, in one sweep, lifted her high in the air 
and held her there for a moment before kissing her. 
After that there seemed to be a continuous falling 
into the arms of first one fond parent and then the 
other while friends and relatives stood about eagerly 
awaiting a chance to grasp their hands and say a 
few cordial words. 

Greystone ^s mother was like a young school girl 
in her actions, and when she could be persuaded to 
give way so that others might extend their greetings, 
it seemed she was here, there and all over at the 
same time. It was she who strictly maintained 
that her son and daughter-in-law would return home 
alive, while others never expected to see them again 
on this side of the grave. In supplementing a few 
of her own words she said, ‘‘I just knew it! 
Nobody could make me believe different. I know 
this boy and girl!’^ And equally were other ex- 
pressions attributing to the ability of our hero and 
heroine. But no less affecting was their meeting 
with the Saulters. It was a surprise and they could 
hardly believe their own eyes. Strange that this 
couple could have come safely through it all, thought 
they, as the memory of the marauders^ attack upon 
the caravan flashed through their minds, and then, 
in the next instant, all four became locked in one 
loving embrace while those about cheered. The 
story of Mr. and Mrs. George Saulters’ escape might 
be regarded as miraculous. It was brought about as 
follows : 

During the period of suspense and anxiety when 
observation glasses were raised to the eyes to fully 
determine whether the mass on the horizon be friend 
75 


or foe, Mr. Saulters took occasion to remove his pipe 
from his mouth and empty the ashes by inverting the 
bowl and knocking it on the rim of his basket seat. 
As his actions were entirely mechanically, inasmuch 
as his attention was also attracted to the horizon, 
the side chosen to empty the pipe was next to the 
camel, and the deposit of red hot tobacco lodged 
between his hide and the basket in the region where 
the girth strap bound the basket to the animal’s 
anatomy. The camel was ticklish in that particular 
spot, and all the years of patient training to obey and 
and remain with his outfit was forgotten and set 
aside for that one mad desire to get away from the 
cause of irritation. First, he gave a series of high 
jumps and tried to do an air somersault. Finding 
this rather tame, he dashed to the rear with tilted 
basket, passengers, baggage, and all. No bucking 
bronco had anything on that camel in the way of 
contortion and speed, for in less than no time a 
distance of nearly a mile separated the caravan from 
those who clung to the trappings. 

The next thing that camel thought of was to 
stop suddenly, turn in his tracks, and dash back. 
But Mr. and Mrs. Saulters did not turn, they contin- 
ued straight ahead and landed unhurt in the sand 
near a sun-baked and noxious smelling carcass of a 
camel of other days. Owing to the rapid develop- 
ment of events, no person left the outfit to go to their 
rescue, but instead concerned themselves for the im- 
pending attack. Mrs. Saulters was about to return 
when her husband pointed out the many things that 
were happening. Even then she declared it would 
be better to go back and take a chance on being killed 
rather than suffer the slow death beside that putrid 
76 


beast. And then the miraculous part of the whole 
was when the attacking force deployed to encircle 
their victims, Mr. and Mrs. Saulters found them- 
selves just nicely out of the circle. They witnessed 
the massacre and came to the conclusion that by 
burrowing themselves in the sand behind the putrid 
carcass might mean an extension of life. Further- 
more, the sway of battle happened to drift in the 
opposite direction, and the few outlaws left to dis- 
patch the wounded and pillage the ruins did not 
bother to scour the territory beyond the area of 
conflict. They were confident that their attack had 
been perfectly executed, swift and sudden, and that 
only two persons escaped. Therefore, after com- 
pleting their mission they mounted their steeds and 
rode away. 

It was late in the afternoon when they attacked 
the caravan, and it was under the creeping shadow 
of darkness when Mr. and Mrs. Saulters ventured 
from their hiding place. The effect of the sun’s hot 
rays, the horrors witnessed, and the contaminated 
smell of the carcass at their nostrils together with 
the hot sand, had all but done their worst. Only for 
the merciful relaxation of the sun’s energy as it 
descended over the horizon leaves it doubtful 
whether they would have been spared other than to 
suffer death in another form. Thirst asserted itself, 
but Mr. Saulters took a bottle of Spirits of Fermenti 
from his hip pocket and temporarily quenched that 
affliction. His wife wanted water so there was noth- 
ing else for him to do but get it. He went back to 
the outfit and searched and found a bag full of 
water attached to the trappings of a dead animal. 
He returned and his wife drank. In fact she drank 
77 


so much that it caused Mr. Saulters to fear it would 
bring on delirium, so he persuaded her to take a 
good sip of the small quantity of liquor which neces- 
sity compelled to be diluted with water. However, 
he believes to this day that it was the liquor that 
gave his wife the strength and courage to stand the 
ordeal. Be that as it may, Mr. Saulters threw the 
water bag over his shoulder and he and Mrs. Saulters 
set out for home with nothing but the stars above 
and the instinct of direction to guide them. 

Far into the night they traveled, a pair of stag- 
gering, stumbling, puffing creatures exhausted from 
the effects of the sweltering inferno of burning sand 
and stifling breeze. More than once Mrs. Saulters 
was on the point of giving up. She considered it 
useless to proceed further as on the morrow, under 
the sun’s merciless rays, they would surely perish 
and their bones left to bleach after the buzzards had 
obtained their fill. But Mr. Saulters would bring to 
the foreground his liquid remedy which seemed to 
possess the qualities of spurring Mrs. Saulters to 
continue the fight. The contents diminished rapidly, 
and a further addition of water would have entirely 
sapped its strength. Consequently, Mr. Saulters 
was an object of great despair. 

During the early morning hours, they recognized 
two or three caravans by their silhouette forms out- 
lined against the sky on the horizon, but these were 
so far away their signaling was in vain. Later in the 
day a caravan passed quite near and their hearts 
again leaped forward in hopes that its path would 
lead within hailing distance. About the same time, 
Mrs. Saulters struck upon a bold idea. First, she 
inquired of Mr. Saulters as to whether he possessed 
78 


matches, to which he boldly set forth to demonstrate 
that he had an abundance. Then, without further 
questioning, she proceeded to divest him of his at- 
tirement. His coat came first, and his trousers fol- 
lowed while he protested in wonderment and sur- 
prise, yet meekly assented to the operation. He was 
left attired like an athlete ready for a race. Mrs. 
Saulters took the clothes and deposited them in a 
heap, and to it she added her own outer skirt. She 
then obtained the water bag, removed the stopper, 
and moistened her skirt with the contents. Her next 
operation was to place her husband’s coat and trou- 
sers within the moistened skirt and make a loose 
bundle of the whole. Then the coat and trousers 
were set on fire and smothered in such a way as to 
confine and compact the smoke within the folds of 
the outer garment. The last operation consisted in 
having Mr. Saulters throw the bundle high in the air 
in a manner which would release the smoke in bulk. 
This was done repeatedly, and Mr. Saulters got 
tired and complained of having burnt finger tips. 
Mrs. Saulters was not concerned about his physical 
suffering because the head of the caravan column 
had travelled some distance beyond the point from 
which one would naturally expect to receive signs of 
having been seen or recognized. 

They were about to conclude that further sig- 
naling was useless when the column halted and 
several mounted men came galloping in their direc- 
tion and halted within hailing distance. Becoming 
satisfied that the signals had come from persons 
actually in distress and were not the luring bait of 
an enemy set to decoy them, the men advanced and 
rendered a grateful service, Mrs. Saulters was as- 
79 


sisted to the back of one animal while Mr. Saulters 
was assisted to another, and just before journeying 
to the main outfit the contents of a certain flask 
entirely disappeared down Mr. Saulters ^ throat. Mr. 
and Mrs. Saulters, of course were conducted to the 
Chief of the caravan, who most generously made 
every provision for their comfort. Fortunately the 
caravan was enroute to Cairo, and this consoling 
information, together with the friendly and hos- 
pitable reception, soon brought Mr. and Mrs. Saul- 
ters around so that they could relate their experi- 
ences. The Chief heard the particulars connected 
with the unfortunate expedition and sent messengers 
to report the atrocious affair to the English Com- 
mandant in charge of the Barracks of the Colonial 
Garrison near Siut. The Commandant, upon re- 
ceiving the report, directed a sufficient expeditionary 
force to go and seek the band. A remarkable in- 
stance worthy of recording is that these soldiers of 
the desert found their quarry, after a few weeks 
search, repeating their depredatory deeds upon an- 
other caravan. Let it suffice to know that the outlaws 
were so intent upon pillaging and plundering that 
they were completely taken by surprise, their band 
broken up, and their number reduced to a pitiful 
handful. And later, of course, there ensued the 
more vigorous search in hopes of finding some trace 
or clue concerning the fate of Grey stone and Naomi. 
The prisoners taken had been subjected to all sorts 
of grilling and were finally executed, but the where- 
abouts of our Hero and Heroine remained a mystery 
until after they were picked up at sea. 

Mrs. Saulters required the attention of a phys- 
ician and nurse after reaching Cairo and sojourned 
80 


at a sanitarium for several weeks before daring^ to 
take the steamer for the States. It might also be 
of interest to know that there was not a brand of 
spirited water in all Cairo of proper consistency to 
entirely eradicate the scenes of horror from Mr. 
Saulters ^ mind, or to administer to the requirements 
of one who had survived the ordeal and hardships of 
the desert. It was a case of shattered nerves, at 
least that is what he said it was after reaching an 
unprohibitionized region. 


Well, our story is ended. The members of a 
small, but select party have, with the exception of 
the Rev. Laurence Potters who saw fit to continue 
his researches, returned safely to the shores of the 
good old U. S. A. and now live under the protecting 
furls of Old Glory. Nothing else remains to be 
said unless it is that Mr. and Mrs. George Saulters 
and our hero and heroine have established them- 
selves in their respective order of society, and 
have assigned themselves to the duties involved in 
the careers of their choice. Mr. and Mrs. Saulters 
give wonderful dinner parties, entertain lavishly, 
and are, to a degree, the same old globe trotters. 

Without exaggerating, one can truthfully say 
that Egbert Grey stone and his wife, Naomi, have 
not reached the place where time is in such abund- 
ance as to linger heavily on their hands. They are 
kept busy attending conventions and lecturing. Yet 
aside from this demand, they take delight in show- 
ing a number of magnificent photographical views 
of the Masonic City which our hero managed to ob- 
tain through a small camera kept concealed on his 
person. He had feared that in some way the films 
81 


were totally ruined, especially by the action of the 
sea water. But after they emerged from the devel- 
oping process, the pictures turned out were wonder- 
ful. 

It is no more than proper to have the few re- 
remaining remarks pay tribute to Naomi, for it was 
she who suffered most. But now she stands high 
and climbs lifers rugged slope at her husband ^s side. 
It is still her loyalty and helpfulness that braces 
Greystone for the next step forward. She never 
complains, but patiently bears her share of burdens 
with eyes glued on the horizon of the future. She 
seeks to enlighten those in darkness so that this 
world might be a far brighter and better place in 
which to live. The blazon jewel that King Phara 
gave adorns her breast; a beautiful emblem of 
pecuniary value and a memento of an occasion. But 
Naomi seeks the more valuable jewels that shall be 
added to her crown in Glory. She asks only, when 
her life’s work is o’er, to be permitted to enter that 
Celestial City, a city not built with hands where the 
Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe and over the 
host of all mankind, rules supreme and is the Poten- 
tate Superlative. 

(THE END) " 


82 


SUPPLEMENTARY REMARKS 


The Writer has attempted to place before yon 
a thrilling story combining antiquity with the pres- 
ent day through an Ancient and Time Honored 
Organization. In brief narration he has endeavored 
to make you feel the lure of Egypt’s desert; sprin- 
kled it with adventure and tragedy; mixed it with 
the melting colour of art, love music, and romance; 
flavored it with passion, charm, humor and sorrow; 
and conclusively swathed the whole in a cloak of 
mystery. 

The Writer believes it constitutes a work which 
gives new treatment to an ancient subject, and fur- 
nishes you with fascinating scenes and incidents that 
pass before you like a moving picture with present 
day characters who are made to be real and alive. 

Conclusively, it is hoped that the story of the 
Masonic City has been a source of delight to the 
reader, and will reproduce in the minds of those who 
constitute the Exalted Masonic Body the things 
which inspire righteous living and go together to 
build the Master’s Kingdom. 

JOSEPH THOMAS FRANCIS. 


83 


APPENDIX 


Ready refeeence to bibi.e account of King 
Solomon’s Temple and othfjr things mentioned in 
THE STOBY OF THE MaSONIC CiTY. 


Story of King Solomon’s Temple — 1st King, 5tli Gh. 
The Contractor (Hiram, Ruler of Tyre) — 1st King, 
5th Ch., 1 to 10 Ver. 

Carpenters — 2nd Samuel, 5th Ch., 11th Ver. 

Builders and Masons — 2nd Samuel, 22nd Ch., 17th V. 
How stones were prepared at Quarry — 1st Samuel, 
5th Gh., 17-19th Ver. and 1st King 5th Ch., 7th V. 
The Winding Stairs — 1st King, 6th Ch., 8th V. 

The Porch — 1st King, 7th Ch., 6th V. and 6th Ch., 
3rd V. 

Dimension of Porch- — 2nd Chron., 3rd Ch., 4th V. 
The Pillars— 1st King, 6th Ch., 15-22nd V. 

Two Pillars of Porch ( Jachin & Boaz) — 1st King, 
7th Ch., 21st V. 

Two Pillars of Porch — 2nd Ghron.,3rd Ch., 17th V. 
Capitals or Chapiters — 1st King, 7th Ch., 16-20th & 
84 


41st V. 

Height of one Pillar— 2iid King, 25th Ch., 17th V. 

Sea with Twelve Oxen — 1st King, 7th Ch., 23-25th 
V. and 2nd Ghron., 4th Gh., l-5th V. 

Candlesticks — 2nd Ghron., 4th Ch., 7th V. and 1st 
King, 7th Gh., 49th V. 

Clay Grounds (Between Succoth and Zarthan in the 
plain of J ordan, and between Succoth and Zer - 
edatha, 35 miles from Jerusalem) — 1st King, 
7th Ch., 45-47th V. 

Trees of Lebanon — 1st King, 4th Ch., 33rd V. 

Corn, Wine, and oil — Nehemia, 10th Ch., 39th V. and 
13th Gh., 5th V. 

Corn, Wine, Oil, and Honey — 2nd Ghron., 31st Ch., 
5th V. 

East Country (Seems to indicate India) — '1st King, 
4th Ch., 30th V. 

Mention of Four Buildings 

The Temple (7 years building it) — 1st King, 6th Ch., 
38th V. 

His House (13 years building it) — 1st King, 7th Ch., 
1st V. 

House of the Forest — 1st King, 7th Ch., 2nd V. 

Pharoah^s Daughter’s House — 1st King 7th Ch., 
8th V. 

Doors of Olive Tree — 1st King, 6th Ch., 32nd V. 

Timber of Fir — 1st King, 5th Ch., 8th V. 

Twelve Captains — 1st Chron., 27th Ch., l-16th V. 

The Alter — 2nd Chron., 3rd Ch., 1st V. 

Oracle of Pure Gold — 2nd Chron., 4th Ch., 20th V. 

Dimension of Cherubims — 2nd Chron., 3rd Ch., 11- 
14th V. 

Colors — 2nd Chron., 3rd Ch., 14th V. 

85 


Weight of Nails — 2nd Chron., 3rd Ch., 9th V. 

Jerusalem besieged by Babylonians — 2nd King, 24th 
Ch., 11th V. 

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon — 2nd King 24th 
Ch., 11th V. 

Destruction of Templets treasures — 2nd King, 24th 
Ch., 13th V. 

Killing of Nobles at BiblahT— 2nd King, 25th Ch., 18- 
22nd V. 

Time of siege — 2nd King, 25th Ch., 1st V. 

Time of capture (about 9 yrs. later) — 2nd King, 25th 
Ch., 8th V. 

How Temple was destroyed — 2nd King, 25th Ch., 
9th V. 

What became of the Templets equipments — 2nd 
King, 25th Ch., 8-18th V. 


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